Kathmandu, Oct 13–14, 2025 – The three-member judicial inquiry commission set up to probe the deadly September 8–9 Gen Z protests will begin recording statements from junior police personnel and then proceed up the chain of command – ultimately summoning senior political figures including former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli, the commission said.
Lead (TL;DR)
The three-member judicial commission formed on 21 September to investigate the deadly Gen Z protests will record statements starting with constables and field commanders, then senior officials and political leaders – including former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli – as part of its three-month mandate. The police have already submitted more than 37,000 photos, videos and social-media links as evidence; private businesses including Bhatbhateni and Global College have registered multi-billion-rupee claims for damages.
Background: what the commission is and who sits on it
- The commission was formed by the interim government on 21 September and is chaired by retired judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, with former AIG Bigyan Raj Sharma and legal expert Bishweshwar Prasad Bhandari as members. Its official term is three months.
Evidence gathered so far
- Police and the public have handed over over 37,000 photos, videos and social-media links documenting arson, looting and property damage; these will be analysed and findings passed to the commission.
- Private sector claims include Bhatbhateni Supermarket reporting losses of around Rs 11 billion across outlets, and Global College (Baneshwor) estimating building destruction worth roughly Rs 700 million.
Commission’s planned interview sequence
- Constables and field officers who were deployed across key sites (Maitighar Mandala, New Baneshwar, Tinkune) on Sept 8–9.
- Field commanders / mid-rank officers responsible for local crowd control.
- Senior police officials and heads of the four security agencies.
- National Security Council members, home secretary and former ministers.
- Political leaders alleged in complaints – ultimately including former PM K.P. Sharma Oli.
“We will begin with constables, then field commanders, followed by senior officials,” commission spokesperson Bigyan Raj Sharma said.
Complaints & criminal reporting
- So far the commission has received around a dozen formal complaints: most filed by police officers (some anonymously) and two major corporate complaints from private companies. Families of injured persons have also filed complaints seeking criminal action over deaths during the crackdown.
Prison incidents & Nakkhu inquiry
- The panel has asked prison authorities for reports about inmate escapes and the circumstances around the Nakkhu Prison incident – where attackers reportedly attempted to free certain individuals. The commission will collect official prison logs and CCTV footage.
Why this matters (impact)
- The commission’s chain-of-command interview strategy is intended to (a) establish operational orders given on the ground, (b) identify sources of lethal force, and (c) separate criminal acts of vandalism from alleged unlawful use of force by security agencies. The interim government’s probe comes after a national emergency marked by extensive property damage, many injured, and a death toll that has been reported at 72–74 by multiple outlets
What to expect next
- Commission teams will begin field-level statements this week, followed by scheduled summonses to senior officials and political leaders. The panel has also invited the public to submit CCTV footage, photos and videos at its Singha Durbar office or via official digital channels.
Quick facts
- Commission formed: 21 Sept 2025.
- Chair: Gauri Bahadur Karki.
- Recorded evidence received: 37,000+ photos & videos.
- Major corporate claims: Bhatbhateni ~Rs 11 billion, Global College ~Rs 700 million.
- Reported deaths in unrest: 72–74 (official updates and major international coverage).
Suggested quotes
- Commission spokesperson: “We will begin with constables, then field commanders, followed by senior officials.” The Kathmandu Post
- Police official (paraphrase): DIG Binod Ghimire – “The submitted visual materials will be thoroughly analysed and shared with the commission as part of the criminal probe.” The Kathmandu Post
FAQ
Who is heading the inquiry into the Sept 8–9 protests?
Retired judge Gauri Bahadur Karki leads the three-member commission.
How much evidence has the police handed to the probe?
Police say they collected more than 37,000 photos, videos and social media links.
Will the commission summon former PM Oli?
The commission plans to start with field officers and work up the chain of command; it has indicated it will summon senior political figures including former PM K.P. Sharma Oli as needed.
