After the ouster of former Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, the country has now imposed a travel ban on him and other former senior officials as part of an investigation into the deadly unrest earlier this month, the Interior Minister said on Monday (September 29, 2025).
Youth-led protests in Nepal that began on September 8 over a short social media ban, economic problems, and corruption quickly turned into nationwide unrest after a deadly crackdown. Two days of violence left at least 73 people dead, Parliament and government offices were set on fire, ultimately leading to the government’s collapse.
As part of the investigation, travel bans have been imposed not only on former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli but also on former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, former Head of the National Investigation Department Hutaraj Thapa, and two other senior officials.
Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who is leading Nepal until elections in March 2026, has set up a commission to probe the violence. The commission recommended the travel restrictions on Sunday, September 28, and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal told AFP on Monday that the ban is “already in effect.”
Commission member Bigyan Raj Sharma said the five men must get permission even to leave the Kathmandu Valley, as they “may need to appear for investigation at any time.”
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) estimates that private businesses, including the automobile, hotel, and retail sectors, suffered losses worth $600 million. Former Prime Minister Oli has blamed “infiltrators” for inciting the violence and claimed that rifles used in the protests came from outside sources.
