Probe panel prepares to question former PM Oli

KATHMANDU: The high-level investigation commission probing the violent events and arson that occurred on Sept 8–9, is making final preparations to summon former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli for questioning.

Led by former Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, the commission aims to gather definitive facts by treating Oli’s testimony as the last critical step of its inquiry.

On Thursday, commission officials met Prime Minister Sushila Karki at Singha Durbar for special consultations regarding the former premier’s statement.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Karki emphasized that supporting a constitutionally and legally mandated commission is a responsibility of all concerned.

When asked how to proceed if Oli refused to cooperate or decline to appear, she advised following legal procedures and assured full government support, noting that coordination with Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal could be sought if necessary.

However, former Prime Minister Oli has previously accused the commission, particularly its chair Justice Karki, of bias. Oli has suggested that the destruction during the incidents was caused not by organized groups but by “intruders and anarchic elements,” signaling that he may not cooperate with the investigation. Despite this, Chair Karki expressed confidence that Oli would appear for questioning. “We will soon issue him a formal notice. All key individuals summoned so far have complied, and we are confident he will too,” she stated.

The commission, formed on Sept 21, initially had a three-month mandate, which was extended by an additional month. Only about three weeks remain for the submission of its final report.

It has already conducted extensive phased investigations, including statements from victims, eyewitnesses, field commanders, and heads of security agencies.

Following testimony from the Army Chief Ashok Raj Shrestha, armed forces and Nepal Police chiefs, and the Director-General of the National Investigation Department, the commission moved on to administrative leaders, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and district chiefs.

With former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s statement concluded on Wednesday, the commission is now entering the final stage, set to record statements from political leadership.