Nepal Imposes Travel Ban on Former PM Oli and Officials Amid Unrest Probe
Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal has imposed a travel ban on former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and four other senior former officials as part of an ongoing investigation into deadly unrest that shook the nation in September 2025. The travel restrictions, confirmed by Interior Minister Om Prakash Aryal on September 29, 2025, are already in effect and target individuals deemed potentially crucial to the inquiry into recent violence.
Background to the Unrest
The nationwide fury that led to the current investigation began on September 8, 2025, following a brief government ban on multiple social media platforms. This initial trigger quickly ignited broader public anger fueled by deep-seated frustrations over economic hardship, pervasive corruption, and alleged mismanagement of public funds and resources.
What started as youth-led protests, predominantly organized by Generation Z, rapidly escalated into nationwide demonstrations. The movement expanded to encompass demands for systemic reforms, governmental accountability, and transparency. The situation deteriorated dramatically when security forces reportedly used lethal force against protesters, leading to widespread violence, the torching of government buildings, and a significant loss of life.
Escalation and Government Collapse
Over two days of intense violence, at least 73 people were confirmed dead, with some reports indicating as many as 74 fatalities. The unrest saw critical government infrastructure, including the Parliament building and various government offices, set ablaze, culminating in the collapse of the incumbent administration. In the wake of the crisis, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, citing moral responsibility.
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli also resigned on September 9, 2025. Following his resignation, Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was appointed as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, tasked with leading the nation until fresh elections scheduled for March 2026.
The Investigation and Travel Ban
To probe the circumstances surrounding the deadly unrest, an inquiry commission was established. On September 28, 2025, this commission recommended travel restrictions for key former officials who might be required to appear for questioning. Consequently, a travel ban was imposed on former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, former head of the National Investigation Department security agency Hutaraj Thapa, former Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, and former Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chhabi Raj Rijal.
These restrictions prevent the named individuals from traveling abroad or even leaving the Kathmandu Valley without explicit permission, ensuring their availability for the ongoing investigation. The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry estimated that the private sector, including automobile, hotel, and retail industries, suffered losses amounting to US$600 million due to the unrest.
Political Ramifications and Future Outlook
Former Prime Minister Oli has maintained his stance, blaming “infiltrators” for inciting the violence and suggesting that weapons used in the protests came from an external source. Recently, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the travel bans and passport restrictions imposed on Oli and the other four officials, arguing that the commission’s decisions were unlawful.
The interim government, led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki, is focused on restoring order and addressing calls for clean governance ahead of the March 2026 elections. The government has also initiated dialogue with political parties and ‘Gen Z’ representatives to bridge the trust gap and foster an environment conducive to peaceful elections. This recent news underscores the ongoing efforts to ascertain accountability for the September violence and navigate Nepal’s complex political landscape.
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