Commission probing Nepal’s Gen Z protests submits report to PM Karki

A commission to investigate the incidents during the Gen Z protests in September last year in Nepal submitted its report to Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday (March 8, 2026).

The details of the report have not been made public, but the commission’s chair, Gauri Bahadur Karki, a former judge, said it has recommended action against all those involved in the incidents of September 8 and 9 last year.

As many as 77 people lost their lives in the youth-led protests, including 19 killed in police firing on the first day, which led to the toppling of the K.P. Sharma Oli government.

A new interim government led by Ms. Karki formed the commission on September 21.

“We were mandated to recommend action against those responsible for the September 8 killings and the September 9 incidents. We minutely investigated the events of both days and have recommended action against the guilty,” Mr. Bahadur Karki, the commission chair, told the media after submitting the report. “The report will be made public by the government.”

He did not specify who had been identified as perpetrators but said, “…those who opened fire, who ordered the firing, and who did not stop it… all have been named.”

“Who they are, he added, will be revealed by the government.”

#### Arson, vandalism probe

The commission was also mandated to investigate the vandalism and arson on the second day of the protests. On September 9, demonstrators burnt down the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, and Singha Durbar — the complex housing government ministries — as well as hotels, business houses, and private properties.

The commission was initially given three months to complete its work, but its term was extended multiple times even as calls grew to make the investigation report public. The commission’s last extended term is due to expire on Monday (March 9, 2026).

Earlier, questions had emerged about whether the commission was deliberately delaying the submission of its report in view of the impending election slated for March 5 and whether it was waiting for the polls to take place.

Mr. Bahadur Karki said it took time to prepare the report.

He, however, acknowledged that in hindsight, the commission understands that earlier publication of the report could have hampered the election.

Nepal voted in the Gen Z protest-triggered elections on March 5, with a newer political force, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), headed for a landslide to form a majority government — the strongest ever in Nepal.

#### Future of report

After receiving the report — around 1,000 pages, with about 7,000 pages of annexures — Prime Minister Karki said the government would first study it and then proceed accordingly.

The three-member commission questioned around 200 people, including then Prime Minister Oli, during its investigation.

It is not yet clear whether the report will be made public — and the recommended actions will be taken by the current administration or the incoming government.

With vote counting still under way, it may take days for a new government to take shape, most likely under RSP’s Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-former Mayor of Kathmandu.

At the time of the protests, Chandra Kuber Khapung was the chief of Nepal Police, while Chhabi Rijal was the chief district officer of Kathmandu and chair of the district security committee. Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak was the Home Minister.

When asked whether this report could also be buried like several other probe commission reports, Mr. Bahadur Karki said his commission had told the Prime Minister and the Cabinet that the report must be made public and the recommended actions implemented.

Nepal has a long history of forming probe commissions whose reports are seldom made public and whose recommendations are rarely acted upon, perpetuating impunity.

“If this report is not made public and the recommended actions are not taken, there could be another youth movement. I have clearly told the Prime Minister,” Mr. Bahadur Karki said.

Published - March 08, 2026 06:55 pm IST

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