Overview The newly sworn‑in government of Nepal, led by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chief Balendra Shah , moved swiftly to implement the recommendations of a probe commission investigating the deadly Gen Z protests . On 28 March 2026, former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested on charges of culpable homicide linked to the September 2025 police firing. Key Developments Arrests carried out a day after the RSP government took oath, signalling a break from the previous administration. Police seized Oli from his Gundu residence and Lekhak from Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur. Home Minister Sudhan Gurung announced the action on Facebook, emphasizing that “no one is above the law”. The probe commission had recommended prosecution for negligent killings, citing failure to prevent lethal police firing on 8 September 2025. Opposition parties, especially the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (UML) , condemned the arrests as politically motivated. Important Facts • The September 2025 protests resulted in 76 deaths , including 19 killed in police firing on 8 September. • The commission’s report, submitted on 8 March 2026, also named former police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung for prosecution, but he remains free. • The arrests were made under the charge of culpable homicide , a serious criminal offense under Nepal’s penal code. • Kathmandu’s central administrative complex, Singha Durbar , saw heightened security and street clashes between UML supporters and police. UPSC Relevance These events illustrate the interplay of rule of law and political legitimacy in a parliamentary democracy. Aspirants should note: How a newly elected government can use legal mechanisms to address past excesses while risking accusations of vendetta politics. The role of judicial commissions in post‑conflict accountability, a recurring theme in Indian and South Asian polity. Implications for civil‑military relations, given the involvement of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force. Impact on democratic stability and public perception when high‑profile arrests coincide with electoral transitions. Way Forward • Courts must examine the arrest warrants; any procedural lapse could lead to the release of the leaders. • The RSP government should ensure transparent implementation of the commission’s recommendations to avoid perceptions of selective justice. • Opposition parties are likely to mobilise protests and parliamentary challenges, testing the new administration’s ability to maintain law‑order while respecting democratic norms. • Continued monitoring of the legal proceedings will provide insights into Nepal’s commitment to accountability and the broader South Asian trend of post‑protest governance reforms.