The Nepali government has placed travel restrictions on former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and four high-ranking ex-officials. This decision, announced by the Interior Minister on Monday, September 29, 2025, comes as a direct result of an ongoing investigation into the recent devastating unrest in the country.
Earlier this month, on September 8, youth-led protests erupted initially over a temporary social media ban, coupled with deep-seated frustrations regarding economic struggles and widespread corruption. These demonstrations rapidly escalated into a fierce nationwide movement, met by a lethal crackdown from authorities.
The two days of intense violence claimed the lives of at least 73 individuals. The capital witnessed significant destruction, with both the Parliament building and other key government offices being set ablaze, ultimately leading to the collapse of the sitting government.
Beyond former Prime Minister Oli, the travel prohibitions specifically target Ramesh Lekhak, the former Home Minister; Hutaraj Thapa, who previously led the National Investigation Department security agency; and two other senior administrative officials.
Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, currently guiding the Himalayan nation until the scheduled elections in March 2026, promptly established a special commission tasked with thoroughly investigating the origins and events of the recent violence.
These travel restrictions were officially recommended by the newly formed commission on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Confirming the implementation, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal stated to AFP on Monday that the travel ban is “already in effect.”
Bigyan Raj Sharma, a member of the commission, clarified in a Sunday statement that the five individuals are now required to seek special permission even to exit the Kathmandu Valley, ensuring their availability for questioning at any given moment during the investigation.
The economic repercussions of the unrest are substantial, with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) estimating that the private sector, encompassing vital industries like automotive, hospitality, and retail, suffered losses amounting to $600 million.
In response to the allegations, former Prime Minister Oli has publicly attributed the instigation of bloodshed to “infiltrators” and suggested that the rifles used during the protests were supplied from an external source.