Nepali Congress leader and former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka was arrested in Kathmandu on Sunday over money laundering charges. Police said the arrest followed the discovery of large amounts of cash at his residence during last year’s Gen Z movement, when protesters set fire to his house and scattered bundles of money.
Khadka, who has business interests in hydropower and hotels, had previously faced controversy over alleged irregularities in awarding hydropower licenses and contracts, as well as land misappropriation. His arrest comes a day after former PM KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were detained in homicide-related cases tied to the suppression of the Gen Z uprising.
The September 2025 protests left 77 people dead and caused property damage worth over NPR 84 billion. An inquiry commission has recommended charges against Oli, Lekhak, and former Police Chief Chandra Kuber Khapung under Nepal’s Penal Code, which could carry up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Police have presented Lekhak before court for extended detention, while Oli is expected to appear virtually due to hospitalization.