Nepal Bars Ex-PM KP Sharma Oli, 4 Officials Over Deadly Protest Probe

Nepal has barred former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and four senior officials from leaving the country as authorities investigate their alleged roles in violent protests that left dozens dead earlier this month.

The Interior Minister, Om Prakash Aryal, confirmed on Monday that the travel restrictions are already in effect following recommendations from a commission set up to probe the unrest. The restrictions also apply to former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, ex-National Investigation Department chief Hutaraj Thapa, and two senior bureaucrats.

The youth-led demonstrations began on September 8 in response to a brief social media ban, worsening economic hardship, and corruption allegations. They spiraled into nationwide unrest after a heavy-handed crackdown, with at least 73 people killed over two days of clashes. Protesters torched parliament, several government offices, and forced the government to collapse.

Commission member Bigyan Raj Sharma said the five men must now seek permission even to leave the Kathmandu Valley, as they “may need to appear for investigation at any time.”

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) estimates the unrest caused about $600 million in losses to the private sector, particularly in the automobile, hotel, and retail industries.

Oli has denied any wrongdoing, blaming “infiltrators” for fueling the violence and alleging that weapons used during the protests were supplied from outside sources.

Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who is leading the nation until elections in March 2026, has pledged a full investigation into the violence and accountability for those found responsible.