Nepal Imposes Travel Ban on Former PM KP Sharma Oli Amid Investigation Into Deadly September Protests

Former prime minister Oli has alleged that "infiltrators" were responsible for instigating violence in Nepal.

Nepal:

Authorities in Nepal have implemented travel restrictions on former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and four other senior officials as part of an ongoing investigation into the recent deadly unrest, according to the interior minister's statement on Monday.

The youth-initiated demonstrations that commenced on September 8, initially protesting a temporary social media restriction, economic difficulties, and corruption, rapidly escalated into nationwide outrage following a lethal government response.

The resulting two-day period of violence resulted in at least 73 fatalities, the destruction of parliament and government facilities by fire, and ultimately led to the government's dissolution.

Besides Oli, travel restrictions have been imposed on former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, Hutaraj Thapa, who previously headed the National Investigation Department security agency, and two additional high-ranking bureaucrats.

Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who is currently governing the Himalayan country until elections scheduled for March 2026, established a commission to investigate the violence.

These restrictions were proposed by the commission on Sunday.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal confirmed to AFP on Monday that the travel ban has "already been implemented."

Commission member Bigyan Raj Sharma stated on Sunday that the five individuals must secure authorization even to exit the Kathmandu Valley as they "may be required to present themselves for investigation at any time."

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) calculates that the private sector, including automobile, hospitality, and retail industries, suffered damages amounting to $600 million.

Former prime minister Oli has attributed the bloodshed to "infiltrators" and claims that rifles utilized during the protests originated from an external source.