Nepal forms probe panel after Gen Z protests topple Oli govt

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Nepal’s political situation has entered a tense and historic moment after weeks of violent protests that shook the nation. On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki announced the formation of a three-member investigation commission to look into the Gen Z protests that resulted in 72 deaths and forced the resignation of former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.

The decision comes after growing pressure from the public, activists, and families of the victims who demanded accountability for the bloodshed during demonstrations earlier this month.

Who is in the probe committee?

The newly created panel will be led by former Supreme Court judge Gauri Bahadur Karki. He will be joined by Bigyan Ran Sharma, a former Additional Inspector General of Police, and Bishweshwor Prasad Bhandari, a respected legal expert.

According to Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, the commission has been given a strict timeline of three months to submit its findings to the government. Officials say the committee will investigate every angle, from the reasons behind the protests to the chain of events that caused the violence and loss of life.

Why were the protests called ‘Gen Z protests’?

The demonstrations were largely driven by young people, many of them from Generation Z, who were angry about what they described as corruption, lack of job opportunities, and strict bans on social media platforms.

For the youth of Nepal, social media is not only a tool for communication but also a lifeline for education, business, and activism. The government’s ban was seen as an attack on free expression, sparking outrage across the country.

As anger grew, demonstrations spread to several major cities, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar. On September 8 and 9, the protests turned violent, leading to clashes with police.

The death toll and allegations

Tragically, at least 72 people lost their lives during the protests, including three police officers. Families of the victims claim that security forces used excessive force, while the government at the time blamed “violent mobs” for the chaos.

Among the most shocking incidents was a shootout in Kathmandu on September 8, where 19 protesters were killed in a single day. Witnesses accuse police of firing live bullets into crowds.

The Gen Z group, which has been at the center of the movement, has demanded the arrest of former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and then-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, claiming that they were directly responsible for authorizing the deadly crackdown.

Political fallout

The protests didn’t just bring grief; they also transformed Nepal’s political scene. The wave of demonstrations forced Prime Minister Oli to step down after losing support from coalition partners and the public. His exit marked one of the most dramatic collapses of power in Nepal’s recent history.

Sushila Karki, who took over as interim Prime Minister, has promised to deliver justice, accountability, and reforms. She assured citizens that the commission’s work will not be symbolic but aimed at uncovering the truth and holding those responsible to account.

Regional impact and comparisons

Observers say the Gen Z protests in Nepal are part of a larger trend across Asia, where young people in countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and even the United States have taken to the streets in recent years. Their demands usually focus on corruption, accountability, cost of living, and digital freedom.

Analysts believe that Nepal’s unrest highlights a new generational power where the youth, connected through technology, are no longer afraid to challenge traditional politics.

What comes next?

The commission will begin its investigation immediately. Over the next three months, it is expected to interview victims’ families, protesters, security officials, and government leaders. The final report will be a test of how serious Nepal’s new government is about reform and justice.

For many families mourning their loved ones, this commission represents the first real hope for answers. For the youth of Nepal, it is also a signal that their voices are finally being heard at the highest levels of government.