Apr 03, Kathmandu - Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, currently in police custody, has provided a detailed statement to investigative officials while receiving treatment at TU Teaching Hospital. The investigation pertains to his alleged involvement in the suppression of the Gen-Z protests on Bhadra 23-24.

Oli was questioned extensively, with officials asking over 35 questions. He denied giving orders to fire lethal weapons that resulted in casualties in Kathmandu’s Baneshwor during the protests, asserting that such decisions are made at the district level. He clarified that he was briefed about the peaceful nature of the protests and emphasized that the government aimed to minimize casualties, denying any authority to order police to open fire.

During his statement, Oli stated that he did not instruct police to use lethal force and that the firing was not under his direct command. He also highlighted that the government had formed a commission to investigate the incidents and provide medical aid to the injured and compensation to the families of the deceased.

Oli stressed that the Prime Minister does not have the authority to direct police to shoot and that the use of force should have been minimal. The interrogation was completed late Thursday night, according to officials.