Basnet alleges conspiracy to accuse KP Oli of murder charges

KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has claimed that a conspiracy is underway to frame party chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli with allegations of “individual killings.”

Addressing the first meeting of the National Youth Council in Kathmandu on Friday, Basnet said such accusations were being deliberately manufactured to malign Oli politically.

Referring to the Gen Z movement of Bhadra 23, Basnet stated that 23 people were killed during the protests.

He said that, as prime minister at the time, Oli had decided to provide compensation to the victims’ families and declare those killed as martyrs.

Basnet further alleged that on Bhadra 24, there was a coordinated attempt to “hijack the constitution and security agencies” with the intention of destabilising the country.

He accused Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane of being responsible for the escape of around 14,000 prisoners across the country during the unrest.

According to Basnet, two of the escaped prisoners later died, while two others killed their mother and wife after fleeing custody.

Basnet argued that Lamichhane should take responsibility for these incidents.

He also claimed that RSP President Lamichhane and Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah were accountable for the damage caused by arson and looting during the protests.

Warning that the destruction carried out in the name of protests would be thoroughly investigated, Basnet said those responsible would be held accountable.

He concluded by asserting that there was no alternative to the CPN-UML for the country’s development and prosperity.