Kathmandu, 8 March: The commission formed to investigate the Gen Z protest has submitted its investigation report. After nearly five months of inquiry and examination into the incident, the commission officials handed the report to Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday.
The investigation commission, led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, includes former AIG Bigyan Raj Sharma and legal practitioner Bishweshwar Bhandari as members. After submitting the report, commission member Bigyan Raj Sharma said that those who made mistakes have been recommended for legal action.
Speaking to journalists at Singha Durbar, he said, “Whoever committed wrongdoing will face action. We have recommended legal measures against them.” Sharma also stated that the report is more than 900 pages long and includes several annexes.
The commission investigated the Gen Z protests that took place on Bhadra 23 and 24. It has provided separate opinions and recommendations regarding the incidents that occurred on both days.
On the first day of the protest in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, 21 people lost their lives after being shot by police, either at the scene or during treatment in hospital. Regarding this incident, the commission has suggested that the government hold the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the then chairperson of the Kathmandu District Security Committee accountable.
The commission has recommended that legal action be taken against KP Sharma Oli and officials of the District Security Committee under criminal law. One of the commission officials told Ratopati that responsibility should be determined at both central and district levels. “At the central level, the then Prime Minister should be held accountable, and at the district level, the chair of the security committee,” the official said.
If the government proceeds according to the commission’s recommendations, the then Prime Minister Oli and the then Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Chhabi Lal Rijal, could face criminal charges. Rijal has been widely criticized for allegedly ordering police to open fire on protesters.
At that time, Ramesh Lekhak was the Home Minister, Gokarna Mani Duwadi served as Home Secretary, and Chandra Kuber Khapung was the Inspector General of Police (IGP). According to officers deployed in the field, after protesters surrounded the Parliament building, IGP Khapung reportedly ordered police to open fire through a police communication device (walkie-talkie).
According to commission sources, it has also recommended bringing the then Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak within the legal framework. If criminal proceedings move forward, responsible officials could face prosecution under the National Penal Code 2017 (Muluki Criminal Code 2074).
The commission has also recommended prosecuting those involved in arson and looting that took place on Bhadra 24. When the government and Gen Z representatives reached an agreement, it was stated that individuals prosecuted for the incidents of Bhadra 24 would be screened by a high-level investigation commission after receiving complaints.
Following screening and investigation, the commission has recommended prosecuting those involved in looting and vandalism. It has also suggested that those involved in murder and organized crime during the Bhadra 24 incidents be charged under criminal law.
On Mangsir 24, representatives of the Gen Z movement and the government signed a 10-point agreement. The agreement stated that the mandate of the high-level investigation commission would be expanded to conduct an impartial investigation into the excessive use of force during the protests and recommend action under criminal law against those responsible.
During the Gen Z protest movement, a total of 76 people lost their lives. Among the protesters who died were Buddhi Bahadur Tamang, Santosh Bik, Sulav Raj Shrestha, Shreeyam Chaulagain, Ishwat Adhikari, Ayush Thapa Magar, Saurabh Joshi, Yog Bahadur Shrestha, Madhav Saru Magar, Bimal Babu Bhatt, Asahav Alam Thakurai, Shauran Kishor Shrestha, Subash Kumar Bohara, Rasik Khatiwada, Binod Maharjan, Dil Narayan Tamang, Yogendra Neupane, Chhatraman Kuthumi, Ojhan Budha, Avishek Shrestha, and Mohan Sardar “Chankhe.”
Additionally, 10 deaths were reported among prisoners and juvenile detainees during the course of the protests.
