KATHMANDU, Sep 23: Police have arrested two individuals accused of killing two police personnel during the recent Gen Z protest in Kathmandu, marking the first major breakthrough in investigations into the violent unrest.
Om Poudel of Sindhupalchowk and Yubaraj Kyapchaki, 24, of Kavre were arrested on Tuesday from separate hideouts. Poudel is alleged to be the main culprit behind the deaths of Assistant Sub-Inspector Milan Rai and Constable Uttam Thapa, on duty at Maharajgunj Police Circle. CCTV footage shows Poudel striking ASI Rai with a wooden log while encouraging others to join the assault. Poudel, who operates a shop in Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu had mercilessly thrashed the policemen in their head and body with his bare hand and with a log. Police added that Kyapchaki assisted Poudel in the gruesome murders. Police are preparing to file a murder case against the duo under the Criminal Code Act 2017.
Meanwhile, police continue their manhunt for the killer of Assistant Head Constable Amrit Gurung of Koteswor Police Circle, who was fatally attacked with a knife. In total, three police personnel lost their lives during the unrest on September 9.
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The arrests come amid mounting concerns over destruction and security threats during the protests. A confidential police report revealed that over 1,200 weapons, nearly 100,000 rounds of live ammunition, 1,300 rubber bullets, and 3,200 tear gas shells went missing. Most of them are believed to have been destroyed when mobs torched over 200 police stations across the Kathmandu Valley. Taking advantage of the unrest, at least 14,500 prisoners and juvenile detainees escaped from detention facilities. Authorities are working to prevent the misuse of looted weapons by armed groups.
The protests, initiated by Gen Z activists, originally demanded political reforms, transparency, and accountability but escalated into violent clashes on September 9 after 19 protesters were killed in police action a day earlier. Public and private properties, including police stations, were extensively damaged.
In response, the government formed a high-level judicial commission chaired by former Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki to investigate criminal activities on September 8–9. The three-member panel will probe the incidents, evaluate state agency responses, and submit a report within three months.
While police continue operations to apprehend the attackers, human rights groups emphasize the need for impartial investigations. Indra Aryal, chairman of the Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON), said, “Police action is necessary to maintain peace, but the government must also identify those responsible for the September 8 killings.”
Chiran Prasai, another rights activist, noted, “Nepal is grappling with the aftermath of the Gen Z protests. Police must act against lawbreakers, but the government must ensure accountability for protesters’ deaths to ensure justice, security, and democratic values.”
