KATHMANDU, March 28: The government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has decided to immediately implement key recommendations of the probe panel formed to investigate the Gen Z movement, initiating action against four individuals including former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
The decision was taken at the first cabinet meeting held after Shah assumed office. Minister for Education Sasmit Pokharel, who is also the government spokesperson, said the meeting endorsed the immediate implementation of the report prepared by the commission led by former Judge Gauri Bahadur Karki.
However, the cabinet has opted for selective implementation, deciding not to immediately enforce the report in cases involving security personnel.
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According to the decision, the government will move ahead with action against Oli, former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi and then Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chhabi Rijal. The government will formally communicate with the concerned authorities to initiate proceedings.
The commission has recommended action against Oli and Lekhak under Sections 181 and 182 of the Civil Criminal Code, 2017. Section 181 pertains to causing death by negligence, carrying a penalty of three to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 100,000.
The commission concluded that the conditions outlined in Sections 177, 178 and 179—which could exempt liability—were not applicable in their case, thereby recommending prosecution. It had also proposed action against then Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung under the same provision, although the government has decided not to proceed in his case without further study.
Section 182 relates to causing death through recklessness, which provides for up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 30,000. The commission has recommended action against Duwadi and Rijal under this provision, and the government has decided to proceed accordingly.
Subsection (9) of Section 182 further provides that if death occurs unexpectedly, without prior indication of fatal consequences, the offender may face six months to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 20,000, or both.
The commission had also recommended action under Section 182 against Armed Police Force Inspector General Raju Aryal and former National Investigation Department chief Hutaraj Thapa. However, the government has decided not to implement the report immediately in their cases.
Other officials from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, the Nepali Army and the National Investigation Department have also been listed for action, though only departmental measures have been recommended. The commission has additionally suggested issuing a warning to incumbent Nepal Police chief Dan Bahadur Karki.
