Kathmandu: Nepal’s interim government has set up a high-level investigation panel to probe the wave of violent anti-corruption protests that shook the Himalayan nation earlier this month, leaving at least 74 people dead and more than 2,100 injured. The inquiry marks a critical step in the aftermath of the unrest, which toppled Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and scarred Kathmandu and several provincial cities with scenes of destruction.
The demonstrations began as peaceful rallies led largely by young Nepalis demanding action against corruption, political patronage, and lack of economic opportunities. But what started as civic dissent quickly escalated into large-scale violence. Protesters attacked government institutions, set fire to office complexes housing the Parliament, Prime Minister’s Office, and Supreme Court, and targeted private properties linked to political and business elites.
Luxury hotels, showrooms, and financial establishments were also vandalized as demonstrators vented their frustration against what they saw as decades of entrenched graft and elite privilege.
By the time security forces regained control, at least 74 people had lost their lives, while more than 2,100 were left injured. The sheer scale of the violence and destruction marked the deadliest political unrest in Nepal in recent decades, shaking public confidence in the state’s ability to maintain order and raising difficult questions about governance.
In response, the interim government under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has announced a three-member commission of inquiry to investigate the tragedy. The panel is headed by retired judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, a figure widely regarded for his integrity in anti-corruption cases.
The commission has been given three months to complete its work. Its mandate includes probing the causes of the unrest, identifying responsibility for loss of life and property damage, and investigating whether security forces or political leaders exceeded their authority. It is also tasked with uncovering the actors behind arson and vandalism that engulfed the capital and other cities.
The crisis forced Prime Minister Oli to resign after weeks of mounting pressure. In his defense, Oli insisted that his government never ordered police to fire on protesters. He also argued that some of the violence may have been orchestrated by “outside elements” and claimed that the firearms responsible for several deaths were not standard issue for Nepal’s police forces.
Nevertheless, public opinion has been sharply critical of Oli’s handling of the crisis, accusing his administration of being both unresponsive to legitimate grievances and heavy-handed in its response.
The formation of the commission is seen as a crucial test of Nepal’s political maturity and commitment to accountability. Families of victims, civil society groups, and international observers are watching closely to see if the inquiry delivers truth and justice or becomes a political shield for those in power.
If the panel’s work is perceived as impartial and transparent, it could help restore public trust and pave the way for reforms. But if the process is marred by bias or political interference, Nepal risks deepening its divisions and inviting further unrest.
The commission’s first hearings are expected to begin in the coming weeks. Its findings will be closely monitored by Nepalese citizens desperate for accountability and by global partners concerned about stability in the fragile democracy.
For many, the outcome of this probe will determine whether Nepal moves forward toward reform or remains trapped in cycles of corruption, protest, and political upheaval.