The inquiry commission formed to look into the loss of lives and property in the Gen Z-led protests on September 8 and 9 has clarified that there is no need to wait for its final report to investigate or take action against anyone involved in criminal offences.

Commission member Bigyan Raj Sharma issued a statement on Tuesday, saying that the government mechanisms are authorised to conduct investigations and pursue legal action against those involved in the incident.

The commission has also taken note of the home ministry’s statement of September 25, which, it said, went beyond the commission’s mandate. The ministry had stated that the government would act only after receiving the commission’s report and had directed authorities not to arrest or initiate legal proceedings in connection with the arson and vandalism until then.

In its clarification, the commission said that its mandate allows it to collect and analyse information related to physical and human losses and to advise the government accordingly. However, it emphasised that this does not prevent the state from acting immediately in cases of criminal offences.

Commission chair Gauri Bahadur Karki had also told Kantipur on Monday that investigations into incidents attracting criminal law from September 8 and 9 could proceed through regular legal channels without obstruction.

Media reports say Gen Z youths have started mounting pressure on the government to book the immediate past prime minister KP Sharma Oli and his home minister Ramesh Lekhak holding them responsible for the September 8 massacre outside federal parliament at New Baneshwar.