Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak Arrested Over GenZ Protest Investigation

Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has been taken into custody following recommendations from a high-level investigation commission probing the violence during the GenZ protests on Bhadra 23 and 24.

A joint team from the Metropolitan Crime Investigation Office and the Armed Police Force arrested Lekhak from his residence in Katunje, Bhaktapur, early Saturday morning at around 5:40 AM after presenting an official arrest warrant.

The investigation, led by former justice Gauribahadur Karki, found Lekhak responsible for “criminal negligence” and urged the government to take legal action. The commission recommended prosecution against then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Home Minister Lekhak, and Inspector General of Police Chandrakuber Khapung under provisions of the Muluki Criminal Code, 2074.

According to the report, Lekhak, who was in charge of national security at the time, failed to act effectively during the crisis. Despite hours of gunfire and casualties near the Parliament building in Baneshwor, he allegedly did not ensure proper coordination among security agencies or issue necessary directives to control the situation.

The commission also concluded that authorities did not adequately prepare for potential escalation on Bhadra 24, nor were affected areas declared riot zones in time. This lack of preparedness reportedly contributed to widespread violence, including arson and vandalism across different parts of the country.

During his testimony, Lekhak defended his actions, stating that he had fulfilled his constitutional responsibilities and maintained coordination with security agencies. He argued that operational decisions, including the use of force, are handled by field अधिकारियों rather than the Home Minister directly.

Lekhak further claimed that security agencies had initially assessed the protest as peaceful during a National Security Council meeting held on Bhadra 22. He stated that he had instructed officials to avoid casualties and maintained communication with top leaders once the situation escalated. He also mentioned resigning on moral grounds after the incident.

He acknowledged that while the demands of the GenZ protesters were largely valid, the situation worsened due to infiltration and violence targeting public property. He also noted that his own properties were attacked during the unrest.

Despite his defense, the commission determined that Lekhak could not be cleared of responsibility, leading to the decision for legal action. His arrest follows a cabinet decision by the newly formed government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah, which approved the implementation of the commission’s report with active involvement from the current Home Minister.