Arrest of Former Minister Deepak Khadka Amidst Gen Z Protests

Nepal’s Central Investigation Bureau Takes Action

On Sunday, Nepal’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested former energy minister Deepak Khadka in relation to the ongoing investigations stemming from the September Gen Z protests. According to CIB spokesman Shiva Kumar Shrestha, Khadka was apprehended in connection with a money laundering case. The Department of Money Laundering Investigation will be responsible for the inquiry against the Senior Nepali Congress leader.

Details Surrounding Khadka’s Arrest

Home affairs minister Sudan Gurung announced via Facebook that Khadka’s detention was linked to money recovered from his residence during the protests on September 9. This development follows the recent arrests of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-home affairs minister Ramesh Lekhak, who are also implicated in the violent crackdown on Gen Z protesters.

Background of the Gen Z Protests

The youth-led uprising initially ignited due to a temporary ban on social media but quickly escalated into widespread demonstrations against corruption and economic hardship. An inquiry commission reported that at least 76 individuals lost their lives during the enforcement actions taken on September 8 and 9.

Destruction and Aftermath

Protesters not only set fire to the parliament building and government offices but also managed to topple Oli’s administration. In a shocking display, Khadka’s residence was burned, with videos circulating online showing protestors throwing cash discovered inside into the air.

Transition of Power

Following the upheaval, an interim government led by former chief justice Sushila Karki governed Nepal until the recent general elections, where the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) won decisively. New Prime Minister Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician and former mayor of Kathmandu, took office on Friday, having previously defeated Oli in a competitive electoral race.

Governance Reform Agenda Unveiled

The Shah-led government has rolled out an ambitious 100-point governance reform agenda which includes plans to establish an investigation committee to scrutinize the assets of politicians and senior state officials. This agenda was launched on the same day that Oli and Lekhak were detained.

Calls for Accountability

The inquiry commission has also recommended prosecuting Oli and other officials for their negligence in preventing violence from security forces against the protesters. Despite these allegations, they have denied directly ordering any forceful actions against the demonstrators.

This content provides an overview of the recent arrests linked to the Gen Z protests in Nepal, with a focus on the implications of political turbulence and upcoming reforms.