Kathmandu, Nepal – Authorities in Nepal arrested former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak early Saturday, a day after a new government took office. The arrests are linked to the deaths of dozens during violent protests in September that led to the collapse of the previous administration.

Police, including officers in riot gear, apprehended Oli at his residence on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Lekhak was also taken into custody at his home before both were transported to the Kathmandu District Police office. Lekhak faces accusations of ordering security forces to fire on demonstrators during the September unrest.

The arrests were announced by Home Minister Sudan Gurung, who affirmed the government's position on social media. "No one is above the law. We have taken former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak under control," Gurung stated, adding that the action was "not revenge against anyone, it is just the beginning of justice."

An investigation commission, established by an interim government formed after the September protests, had previously recommended up to ten years in prison for Oli, Lekhak, and the then-chief of police for their alleged roles in the violence.

The high-profile detentions swiftly ignited anger among Oli's supporters. Hundreds gathered near the prime minister's office in Kathmandu later on Saturday, protesting the arrests and demanding the immediate release of the former prime minister. Demonstrators chanted slogans against the newly formed government, set tires ablaze, and clashed with riot police, who used batons to clear roads blocked by the protesters.

The new government, led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, officially assumed power on Friday. His Rastriya Swatantra Party secured a landslide victory in a recent parliamentary election.