Five ‘High-Profile’ Arrests in Five Days Spark Debate

Within just five days of the government led by Balen Shah taking office, five high-profile individuals have been arrested, triggering widespread debate.

Those arrested include K. P. Sharma Oli, Ramesh Lekhak, former minister Deepak Khadka, Lumbini Province lawmaker Rekha Sharma, and former Chief District Officer Chhabilal Rijal. Among them, Rijal has been released on bail.

Oli, Lekhak, and Rijal were detained as part of the implementation of the investigation report related to the Gen-Z protests of Bhadra 23–24. Khadka was arrested in connection with a money laundering case, while Rekha Sharma was taken into custody over allegations related to child labor.

Authorities have been granted permission to keep Oli and Lekhak in custody for five days for investigation. A habeas corpus petition has already been filed at the Supreme Court of Nepal challenging their arrest, and the court has sought clarification from the government while proceeding with hearings.

Following these developments, the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has launched protests, and the situation has sparked intense political and legal debate across the country.