KATHMANDU: Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has denied ordering security forces to open fire during the September 8 protests, stating that a Home Minister does not have the legal authority to issue such orders.

Lekhak, currently in police custody, began his statement on Wednesday at the Kathmandu District Police Range. He told investigators that decisions on the use of force are taken by security agencies and local officials under existing laws, not by the Home Minister.

He also said his role was limited to coordination and policy-level direction based on information from security bodies.