Commission Submits Report Investigating Violent Protests, Recommends Action Against Former PM Oli

Kathmandu. The commission formed to investigate the recent violent protests has submitted its investigative report. After investigating and examining the incident for nearly five months, the commission officials handed over the report to Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday.

The investigation commission, led by former Justice Gauribahadur Karki, includes former AIG Bigyanraj Sharma and lawyer Bishweshwar Bhandari as members. After submitting the report, commission member Bigyanraj Sharma stated that recommendations for action against those found at fault have been made.

Speaking to journalists at Singha Durbar, he said, 'Action will be taken against those who committed mistakes; we have recommended action.' Sharma added that the report is over 900 pages long and includes annexures.

The commission investigated the violent protests that occurred on Bhadra 23 and 24. The commission provided separate opinions and suggestions regarding the incidents of Bhadra 23 and Bhadra 24.

On the first day of the violent agitation, 21 people lost their lives, either at the scene in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, from police gunfire, or during treatment at the hospital. Regarding this incident, the commission has suggested to the government that then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the then-Chairman of the District Security Committee Kathmandu be held responsible.

The commission has recommended initiating legal proceedings against KP Sharma Oli and the officials of the District Security Committee under criminal law. One official from the commission told Ratopati, 'Our recommendation is to hold the then-Prime Minister accountable at the central level and the Chairman of the Security Committee at the district level.'

If the government proceeds according to the commission's recommendation, then-Prime Minister Oli and then-Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Chhabilal Rijal, could face charges under criminal law. Rijal, the Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, has been criticized for allegedly ordering the firing upon the protestors.

At that time, the Home Minister was Ramesh Lekhak, the Home Secretary was Gokulmani Dwadi, and the IGP was Chandrakuber Khapung. Officials deployed in the field stated that IGP Khapung ordered the firing via the police communication set, 'walkie-talkie,' after protestors surrounded the Parliament building.

According to commission sources, it has also been recommended to bring then-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak under the legal purview. If criminal proceedings advance according to criminal law, responsible officials could face action under the Muluki Criminal Code, 2074.

The commission has recommended prosecuting those involved in arson and looting on Bhadra 24 for the respective offenses. The agreement between the protestors and the government on Mangsir 24 mentioned that a high-level investigation commission would screen complaints regarding individuals prosecuted for the Bhadra 24 incidents. After screening and investigation, the commission has recommended that the government prosecute those involved in looting and vandalism. For those involved in the Bhadra 24 incidents, the commission advised the government to pursue criminal prosecution for offenses including attempted murder and organized crime.

A 10-point agreement was reached between the protest representatives and the government on Mangsir 24. This agreement included extending the mandate of the high-level investigation commission to investigate without discrimination those who used excessive force during the protests and recommend action according to criminal law.

A total of 76 people died during the violent protests. Among the protestors were Buddhibahadur Tamang, Santosh Bik, Sulabhraj Shrestha, Shriyam Chaulagain, Ishwat Adhikari, Ayush Thapa Magar, Saurav Joshi, Yog Bahadur Shrestha, Madhav Sarumagar, Bimal Babu Bhatta, Asahab Alam Thakuray, Shauran Kishor Shrestha, Subash Kumar Bohara, Rasik Khatiwada, Binod Maharjan, Dil Narayan Tamang, Yogendra Neupane, Chhatraman Kuthumi, Ojan Budha, Avishiek Shrestha, and Mohan Sardar 'Chankhe'. Ten people, including prisoners and juvenile detainees, also died.