Police in Nepal have arrested former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over their alleged roles in the deaths of dozens of people during violent protests in September that led to the سقوط of the government and fresh elections.

Oli was detained early Saturday from his residence on the outskirts of Kathmandu, while Lekhak was also taken into custody for allegedly ordering security forces to fire on demonstrators.

Home Minister Sudan Gurung announced the arrests, stating that the move was aimed at ensuring justice and that no one is above the law.

A government investigation commission recommended prison terms of up to 10 years for Oli, Lekhak, and the police chief at the time of the unrest.

Police in riot gear carried out the arrests and transported the দুই leaders to the Kathmandu District Police Office.

The arrests come a day after a new government led by Balendra Shah took office following a landslide election victory by his Rastriya Swatantra Party. Shah and Gurung have pledged accountability for those killed and injured during the protests.

The election was the first since large-scale youth-led demonstrations on September 8 and 9 that left 76 people dead and over 2,300 injured. The unrest, driven by anger over corruption and poor governance, saw mobs attack government buildings and the homes of senior politicians, forcing many to flee.

The protests eventually led to the appointment of Nepal’s first female prime minister, Sushila Karki, who oversaw the transition period ahead of the elections.