Former Prime Minister KP Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak Released but Face Possible Further Legal Action

Following the Supreme Court’s directive, police released former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak from custody. However, legal experts indicate that the possibility of their re-arrest remains. Authorities stated that the investigation against both leaders is ongoing and that they were freed on the condition of cooperating with the inquiry and appearing when summoned.

“They have been released on bail with the responsibility to cooperate in the investigation and be available when required,” said Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police Office.

The Supreme Court had ordered that although they had been held in custody for the use of force during the Janajati Je Jan Andolan (Gen G Movement), and subsequent arrest, they should not be detained further while investigation time is extended. “Despite being detained illegally for 13 days on baseless criminal charges driven by prejudice and revenge, I have been released due to lack of evidence,” Oli wrote on social media. After arrest, Oli was admitted to a hospital and has stated he will stay there for a few more days.

However, a government lawyer involved in the investigation, wishing to remain anonymous, confirmed that the inquiry is ongoing and that sufficient evidence has yet to be gathered. Police have confirmed that the case remains open, and no final decision has yet been taken on whether additional charges will be filed. “Since the investigation is ongoing, we cannot determine how long it will take,” Bhattarai explained.

According to former Attorney General Sushil Pant, once the Supreme Court has directed no further arrests during the investigation period, the likelihood of them remaining in custody until the investigation concludes is low. “However, this does not mean they cannot be arrested during the investigation,” Pant clarified. “If the case proceeds, they can be placed back in judicial custody until statements are completed unless a bail order is granted.”