The judicial inquiry commission formed to investigate the incidents during the Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9 on Wednesday started recording statements from Rastriya Swatantra Party chair Rabi Lamichhane.

Lamichhane, who also served as home minister, was summoned to Singha Durbar for questioning. Earlier, the commission team had visited Nakkhu Prison on Tuesday to gather details about the prison break, vandalism, and arson that occurred during the protests.

On Sunday, the commission had recorded the statement of Nakkhu Prison chief Satyaraj Joshi. Officials said Joshi was questioned about inmates, including Sanjay Sah alias Takla, who was convicted as the mastermind behind the Janakpur bombing.

The commission also asked Joshi whether any official letter had been issued to release Lamichhane and inquired about the prison’s weakened security arrangements on September 9, when tensions escalated after the government used force to suppress the protests.

According to a commission member, Joshi told investigators that there had been attempts to vandalise and set fire to the prison from early morning that day. Despite efforts to maintain order, he said, the situation got out of control.

Joshi said he was forced to sign a letter without reading it, claiming he did so fearing for his life.