Former Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s picture lies on the floor in the Singha Durbar office complex that houses the Prime Minister’s office and other Ministries burnt, following deadly anti-corruption protests triggered by a social media ban.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Nepal has imposed travel bans on ousted Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and four former senior officials as part of an investigation into deadly unrest earlier this month, the Interior Minister said on Monday (September 29, 2025).
Youth-led protests that began on September 8 over a brief social media ban, economic hardship and corruption quickly morphed into nationwide fury after a deadly crackdown.
Two days of violence left at least 73 people dead, the Parliament and government offices were burned down, and forced the government’s collapse.
In addition to Mr. Oli, travel bans have been placed on former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, former Head of the National Investigation Department security agency, Hutaraj Thapa, and two other senior bureaucrats.
Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who is leading the Himalayan nation until elections in March 2026, set up a commission to probe the violence.
The restrictions were recommended on Sunday (September 28, 2025) by the commission.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal told AFP on Monday that the ban is “already in effect.”
Commission member Bigyan Raj Sharma said in a statement on Sunday that the five men must obtain permission to even leave the Kathmandu Valley as they “may need to appear for investigation at any time”.
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) estimates the private sector, including automobile, hotel and retail industries, endured losses worth $600 million.
Former Prime Minister Mr. Oli has blamed “infiltrators” for inciting bloodshed and alleges rifles used in the protests came from another source.
Published – September 29, 2025 01:19 pm IST
