In a landmark move during its inaugural session on Friday, the Balen Shah-led Cabinet has greenlit the implementation of the Gauri Bahadur Karki-led commission’s findings regarding the Gen Z protest. This decision places high-ranking political figures, including former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhok, and former IGP Chandra Kuber Khapung, under direct legal scrutiny. The commission has categorized their actions as "criminal negligence" and a failure of duty, recommending a rigorous ten-year imprisonment for those found responsible for the escalation.
Government spokesperson Sasmith Pokharel detailed that while the Cabinet has ordered immediate action against political leaders through the Ministry of Home Affairs, a specialized study committee will first review the recommendations concerning security agencies before proceeding. Following the Cabinet's directive, the police are expected to initiate formal investigations based on the report, collecting evidence for the Office of the Government Attorney. The Attorney General’s office will ultimately hold the authority to determine if these high-profile cases will proceed to court for prosecution.
The list of those recommended for action extends deep into Nepal's administrative and security hierarchies, naming former Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi, former APF IGP Raju Aryal, and former National Investigation Department Chief Hutraj Thapa. Additionally, senior officers from the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Nepali Army—including those stationed at critical locations like Shital Niwas and Baluwatar—face potential sanctions. The "TOB Group" of motorcyclists accused of inciting the crowd also falls under the scope of recommended criminal investigations, signaling an extensive legal reckoning for the events of the protest.
