The Cabinet meeting has decided to revoke the passports of former Prime Minister and UML President KP Sharma Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, former Home Secretary Gokarn Mani Duwadi, former Director General of the National Investigation Department Hutaraj Thapa, and the then Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Chhabi Raj Rizal. This decision was made during the Cabinet meeting held on 12th Ashoj at Singhadurbar.
The meeting also imposed a ban on these individuals from leaving the Kathmandu Valley. This decision follows recommendations from the investigation commission concerning the events of 23rd and 24th September. The commission advised the government to prevent their foreign travel, as they are under investigation and may need to attend hearings at any time. Therefore, the commission suggested that they should not be allowed to leave Kathmandu without prior approval.
The individuals are accused of excessive repression during the protests that took place on 23rd and 24th September, which led to the deaths of 74 people. The demonstrations, which began at Maitighar Mandala and ended in New Baneshwor, saw police open fire, resulting in the deaths of 19 youth on 23rd September. In retaliation, angry protesters set fire to and vandalized several government buildings, including the Parliament House, Singhadurbar, the Supreme Court, the President’s House, the Prime Minister’s residence, and the private residences of political leaders on 24th September.
During the protests, private businesses and the properties of industrialists were also targeted, with vandalism and arson. On 24th September, KP Sharma Oli resigned from his position as Prime Minister and was safely evacuated by the army via helicopter. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak had already resigned from his post on 23rd September.
