The Cabinet led by Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah has decided not to form a high-level committee to investigate the incidents of September 9, despite mentioning the formation of such a committee in its 100-day agenda.
In the 100-day governance reform agenda, passed by the first Cabinet meeting, the government expressed commitment to form a high-level probe committee within seven days to investigate the truth of the September 9 events.
The agenda stated that the committee would be tasked with collecting and analyzing all details related to the incidents, identifying those responsible, and submitting a report within a specified timeframe. It also mentioned that further action would be taken based on the committee’s recommendations.
However, the government now appears to have decided that forming such a committee is no longer necessary.
When asked about this, government spokesperson and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel said that a separate committee was not formed since the Nepal Police is already conducting its own investigation into the September 9 incidents.
“We had said that a committee would be formed regarding September 9, but the police have been arresting those involved in the events of that day and filing cases. That is why a separate investigation committee has not been formed immediately,” Minister Pokharel told Setopati. “If the investigation becomes more complicated or if the police investigation is found to be insufficient, a separate committee will be formed.”
According to Minister Pokharel, the government will form an investigation committee only if the police deem further investigation necessary or if the court directs so.
On September 9 last year, widespread incidents of vandalism and arson occurred at state-owned buildings including Parliament, Singha Durbar, Supreme Court, and police offices, as well as private commercial establishments and the homes of leaders from various political parties.
The interim government led by Sushila Karki had formed a probe commission headed by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki to investigate the events of September 8 and 9. However, the Karki Commission’s report has been heavily criticized for doing almost nothing regarding the September 9 incidents.
While the commission conducted a detailed investigation into the shootings of Gen Z group members on September 8 and recommended action against the then prime minister, home minister, and police personnel deployed in the field, its probe into the September 9 events was limited to collecting a few statements and CCTV footage.
The commission itself had recommended that the government form a specialized investigation team of experts to collect more evidence and reach the actual perpetrators.
After the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) won the election with a near two-thirds majority and Balen Shah became prime minister, his government’s very first decision was to implement the recommendations of that report. Accordingly, the day after the government was formed, former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested.
Minister Pokharel said that legal consultation is ongoing regarding what kind of action should be taken against the security personnel recommended for action by the Karki Commission in connection with the September 8 incidents – whether departmental action or criminal charges.
“The first Cabinet meeting had decided to form another committee to investigate the security agencies. While holding legal consultation on this, we are discussing whether to use the existing mechanisms or form a new one,” he said.
He added that discussions are also underway on whether to use mechanisms under the chief district officer (CDO) or create a new structure for taking action against the security personnel named in the recommendations.
“Consultations are being held with the chief secretary and others on whether the mechanisms under the CDO can be used or if a new structure needs to be created,” Pokharel said.
More than 500 complaints related to the incidents of September 9 have been registered at various police offices across the country. Over 900 people have been arrested in connection with these cases.
Some of those arrested have been released on bail, personal cognizance, or general date. The police have filed cases against the arrested individuals on charges including criminal mischief, theft, arms and ammunition, indecent behavior, attempted murder, manslaughter, murder, and drug-related offenses.
