BBC Investigation Reveals State Suppression in Nepal's 2025 Gen Z Protests, Citing Police Shoot-to-Kill Orders

The BBC has published a detailed investigative report concerning the state's suppression of peaceful demonstrations by Nepali youth, who were fed up with corruption, lack of good governance, and political instability. Nineteen young people were killed by police gunfire during the Gen Z movement that took place in Kathmandu on September 8 and 9, 2025.

The report, compiled using over 4,000 video clips obtained from protesters, journalists, and police sources, as well as police radio logs, has brought to light serious facts regarding police suppression and state negligence.

On the morning of September 8, thousands of youths gathered at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu. This movement, dubbed 'Youths Against Corruption,' was organized via social media. As the demonstrators advanced towards the Parliament building, clashes with the police began. Police initially used tear gas and rubber bullets, but when the situation could not be brought under control, an order to open fire was issued via police radio communication 'Peter One' at 12:40 PM.

According to the report, police fired upon the protesters from the Parliament building premises following this order. Young people, including 27-year-old Kamal Ghimire, 22-year-old Rasik Khatiwada, and 17-year-old school student Shriyam Chaulagai, were killed by the gunfire.

Mystery Unveiled by Radio Logs

Secret police documents (radio logs) obtained by the BBC confirmed that the order to shoot came from a high level. The document states that 'Peter One' first issued the order to use force from IGP Chandra Kuber Khapung at 12:40 PM.

'Curfew has been imposed, no need to wait for orders, use necessary force,' Peter One stated. Subsequently, the police operations in-charge, 'Kilo One' SSP Bishwa Adhikari, issued an order at 12:41 PM saying, 'Clear order has been given, everyone use minimum necessary force.' However, Khapung and the District Security Committee chief Chhabilal Rijal have claimed they did not issue such an order.

The BBC report clearly captures police officers telling their junior staff to 'shoot the targets as if they were enemies.' On the other hand, lower-level police officers complained that they were abandoned by the high leadership and that the army did not provide timely assistance.

The events of September 8 escalated into a larger protest. The following day (September 9), protests erupted across the country, including in Kathmandu. Angry youths set fire to the Parliament building, Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, and various government buildings. The situation became so tense that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and other leaders had to be evacuated by helicopter.

After two days of continuous tension, the army was mobilized on the night of September 9, and the situation came under control. By then, 22 people had lost their lives, including 19 young protesters and 3 police officers, with hundreds injured.

Following this movement, then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned. A new government was formed under the leadership of Sushila Karki on September 12, but to date, no one has taken responsibility for these killings.

The family of the deceased 17-year-old Shriyam Chaulagai and other victim families are still awaiting justice. 'Three crore Nepalis know who the culprits of this incident are, but when will they be punished?' asked Shriyam's father.

Detailed Video