Nepal's Former PM Oli Released, Vows to Fight Charges Over 2025 Crackdown

Oli Released After Detention, Denies Responsibility for Protest Deaths

KATHMANDU — Nepal's former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli struck a combative tone on Thursday following his release from police custody, where he was held for questioning over the deadly 2025 security crackdown on mass protests that ultimately toppled his government.

Oli, 74, and his former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested on March 28, just a day after the new Prime Minister Balendra Shah took office following landmark elections. Both were released without formal charges, with police stating they must present themselves when required.

In a social media statement, Oli framed his detention as politically motivated. "The government acted with prejudice and vindictiveness in filing a case and detaining me illegally," he said. "I have been released because there were no grounds or evidence to prosecute." He added that due to pre-existing heart and kidney conditions, he would remain hospitalized for treatment.

The arrests followed recommendations from an independent inquiry commission, which found that Oli—a four-time premier—and other officials failed to prevent security forces from firing on demonstrators. The commission dismissed their claims of ignorance as "criminal negligence."

The 2025 uprising, initially sparked by a social media ban, rapidly swelled into nationwide protests against corruption and economic hardship, culminating in the burning of parliament and Oli's resignation.

Oli's party, the CPN-UML, has condemned the arrests as "a vengeful act" and called for street protests. The detentions were challenged in the Supreme Court via habeas corpus petitions filed by the men's wives.

Wider Anti-Corruption Sweep

In a related development, authorities issued an arrest warrant for another former prime minister, 79-year-old Sher Bahadur Deuba, and his wife, former foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba, over alleged money laundering. Deuba, currently abroad for medical treatment, denied the accusations, calling them "false propaganda."

The move against Deuba follows last month's arrest of former energy minister Deepak Khadka in the same probe, signaling a broad anti-corruption drive by the new administration.

Voices from the Street

Mina Thapa, 32, Teacher in Kathmandu: "This isn't justice—it's political theater. Until there's a real trial and accountability for the lives lost in 2025, these releases mean nothing. The cycle just continues."

Rajendra Bhandari, 58, Political Analyst: "The swift arrests and releases reveal the fragile state of Nepal's rule of law. The new government is walking a tightrope between demonstrating accountability and avoiding perceptions of a witch-hunt."

Anita Sharma, 41, Human Rights Advocate: "Emotionally, it's infuriating. Oli walks out with a defiant statement while families of the victims are still waiting for answers. This isn't governance—it's power games with people's lives."

David Carter, 50, International Observer: "These cases will test Nepal's judicial independence. The international community is watching closely to see if legal processes are followed transparently, or if political rivalries overshadow justice."