Nepal, Bhaktapur, South Asia: Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been detained by police in a significant political development coinciding with a change in Nepal’s leadership.

The arrest took place at his residence in Bhaktapur under tight security arrangements. The action follows allegations related to the violent suppression of protests that occurred in the country last year.

The development comes on the same day Balendra Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s new Prime Minister. The oath of office was administered by President Ram Chandra Paudel during an official ceremony.

Responding to his arrest, Oli described the move as politically motivated and termed it an act of vendetta. He stated that he would challenge the charges through legal means.

The detention was confirmed by Interior Minister Sudan Gurung, who emphasized that the action marks the beginning of due legal process rather than retaliation. Authorities also confirmed that former Home Minister Ramesh has been taken into custody in connection with the same case.

The case is linked to the violent protests that erupted in September last year, during which approximately 70 people, including several youths, lost their lives and more than 2,000 individuals sustained injuries. The protests were largely driven by public anger against corruption and governance issues. Measures such as restrictions on social media further intensified public dissent.

The unrest eventually escalated into a broader political crisis, leading to the collapse of the government.

Oli, a senior leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and a four-time Prime Minister, was detained following recommendations by a high-level commission that called for an investigation into his role during the protests.

If convicted by a court of law based on the commission’s findings, he could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.