Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak have been remanded to five days in custody as part of an ongoing investigation into a criminal case involving loss of life.
The Kathmandu District Court issued the order on Sunday, allowing police to detain both leaders for further questioning. The decision was delivered by Judge Anand Shrestha, according to court officials. Authorities said the remand is necessary to continue investigations linked to incidents that took place on Bhadra 23 and 24.
The case follows recommendations from a government-formed inquiry commission, which concluded that both Oli and Lekhak should face investigation and possible prosecution under Sections 181 and 182 of the National Penal Code 2017. The commission’s findings were formally endorsed by the first Cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Balen Shah on Friday, paving the way for legal action.
Acting on that decision, police arrested the two leaders from their Bhaktapur residence on Saturday morning. During the court process on Sunday, Oli was presented virtually from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, where he is receiving treatment, while Lekhak appeared in person before the court.
The arrest of KP Sharma Oli has triggered legal and political responses, including a habeas corpus petition filed at the Supreme Court. The petition was submitted by Oli’s wife, Radhika Shakya, and Lekhak’s wife, Yashoda Lekhak, challenging the legality of their detention.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on the petition for Monday. Legal experts say the outcome of this hearing could influence the direction of the case, particularly regarding the legality of the arrests and continued detention.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to gather further evidence and statements to determine whether formal charges will be filed. The case has drawn significant national attention, with broader implications for political accountability and the rule of law in Nepal.
