Probe panel says no need to wait for report – investigations into Sept 8-9 crimes can proceed

Kathmandu, Nepal – The judicial inquiry commission probing the deadly Gen Z protests of 8–9 September 2025 said its final report is not a prerequisite for criminal investigations or prosecutions, removing a perceived legal barrier to immediate action.

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Commission member Bigyan Raj Sharma said criminal probes and legal action may begin immediately; families and Gen Z activists are demanding accountability for alleged orders to fire.

Lead

Commission member Bigyan Raj Sharma said on Tuesday that government agencies may launch criminal investigations and pursue legal action immediately where there is evidence – they do not have to wait for the commission’s final report. The Gen Z movement and families of victims have been pressing for accountability, including calls to charge former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak over alleged orders to fire on protesters.

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Commission clarification and government reaction

• The commission’s statement stressed its role is to collect and analyse losses and recommend measures, but this does not bar state investigative or judicial authorities from acting on criminal offences now.
• The commission said the Home Ministry’s 25 September direction — reported to have told authorities not to arrest or initiate legal proceedings until the commission submitted its report – “went beyond the commission’s mandate.” Independent reports and police sources indicate there were internal instructions limiting arrests for a period.
• Commission chair Gauri Bahadur Karki reiterated investigators can proceed through normal legal channels (police, public prosecutors, courts) without waiting for the commission’s paperwork.

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What triggered the push for immediate action

• The protests erupted after the government moved to ban or block 26 social-media platforms that failed to register under the new rules; demonstrations focused on corruption, free speech and economic grievances. The state response on 8 Sept. escalated into the deadliest unrest Nepal has seen in years.
• Independent monitors and rights groups reported use of lethal force; Human Rights Watch said police used force that killed at least 19 people and injured many more during the crackdown.
• Gen Z activists and a social-media campaign calling for the arrest of Oli and Lekhak gained momentum after the violence. Families of those killed have filed complaints; some of these have been forwarded to the commission and investigative agencies.

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Legal context & implications

• Under Nepalese criminal procedure and practice, police and prosecutors have statutory authority to investigate and arrest on the basis of complaints and evidence; a commission’s report is advisory and does not replace criminal investigations or prosecutions. Waiting for the commission can delay justice and fuel perceptions of impunity.
• The commission’s clarification therefore removes an administrative excuse for delay and strengthens the legal basis for investigators to act when there is credible evidence. If investigating agencies act transparently and in line with due process, it can restore some public trust; if actions appear selective, the political crisis may deepen.

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What’s likely next

• The commission has already recommended restrictions on travel for some senior officials while inquiries proceed (passport freezes and requests to not leave Kathmandu for certain figures have been reported). That indicates the inquiry and related executive measures may run in parallel.
• Human rights groups and legal experts will press for impartial, prompt criminal investigations and either prosecution or transparent exoneration. The coming days are likely to see more complaints filed, subpoenas or summons, and possible targeted measures such as travel restrictions.

Quick facts (for sidebars / factbox)

• Event: Gen Z protests, 8–9 Sept 2025.
• Reported immediate death tolls in early reporting: ~19 (figures vary as investigations continue).
• Commission: Headed by ex-judge Gauri Bahadur Karki; members include Bigyan Raj Sharma and a legal expert. Mandate: collect evidence and advise government; timeline: three months (per press briefings).