The judicial inquiry commission investigating the September 8–9 Gen Z protests has completed two months of work, with one month remaining in its three-month mandate.

The panel is collecting statements and reviewing evidence from officials, security personnel, and witnesses, stating that more than 60 percent of its tasks are complete. Drafting of the report will commence once the remaining testimonies are recorded.

The interim government led by Chief Justice Sushila Karki formed the three-member commission led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki on September 21 following the protests. Former additional inspector general of Police Bigayanraj Sharma and legal expert Bishweshwar Prasad Bhandari are members. Chair Karki said the commission has completed major tasks such as damage assessment and field inquiries.“There is little work left,” he said.

The panel initially gathered information on damages from September 9 and requested the details of the full chain of police command for both days.

Karki said the commission sought details from constables to commanders to conduct a pyramid-style investigation, but police delayed cooperation for nearly a month.

Nepal Police initially reported that all personnel, from constables to the Inspector General, had been deployed. The commission issued a warning letter to then–Inspector General Chandra Kuber Khapung for non-cooperation, and the police provided the requested information on November 8.

The commission also requested details from the Nepali Army regarding its role on September 9, amid criticism that the vital state institutions, including the Office of the President, Supreme Court and Singha Durbar, were not secured. The Army Headquarters has not responded, even two weeks after the request, according to the commission.

About 300 complaints have been filed with the commission, which is reviewing personal losses, police reports, and photos and videos. Experts are analysing the roles and criminal backgrounds of those involved.

Formed under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1969, the panel is tasked with identifying the causes behind the violence, vandalism, looting, and arson, and recommending action. It has the power to summon individuals, collect evidence from government or public offices, require document submissions, and recommend action for non-cooperation.

The inquiry commission has recorded statements from Nakkhu Prison chief Satyaraj Joshi and Rastriya Swatantra Party chair Rabi Lamichhane, who was in judicial custody at the time and walked out when protesters reached the prison on September 9. The commission visited Nakkhu Prison on November 4.

Security personnel deployed during the protests have also been questioned. On November 6, Deputy Superintendent of Police Eliza Giri, commander near the Parliament building on September 8, and DSP Madhu Kumar Thapa of Kalimati Circle were asked how protesters entered the Parliament premises and the circumstances under which shots were fired.

The panel has also questioned DSP Sundar Tiwari, and Superintendents of Police (SPs) Apilraj Bohara and Kuldeep Chand, stationed at Kathmandu Police Range during the unrest.

According to the commission, statements from around 30 security personnel, including police constables and officers, have been completed. They were asked how the situation escalated to firing on September 8 and how the protest turned to vandalism and arson the following day. ‘Commanders were questioned on orders, and why security personnel failed to secure weapons from police offices,’ a police officer said.

The commission plans to question Senior Superintendent of Police Bishwo Adhikari, then chief of Kathmandu District Police Range; Deputy Inspector General of Police Om Rana, the then acting chief of Kathmandu Valley Police Office; and Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki (then DIG), who took command of the Valley Police Office on September 9, and some Armed Police Force officers will also be summoned.

Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, the highest-ranking official questioned to date, recorded his statement on Thursday. Chief Secretary Aryal also attended the National Security Council meetings. He was questioned on the government’s role during and after the incidents, including operations following Oli’s resignation.

Following police officials, the commission will question the then Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chhabi Rijal, who faced criticism over alleged orders to fire, along with then Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi and then National Investigation Department chief Hutaraj Thapa.

Officials present in the National Security Council meetings at the time will also be summoned. In the council, the prime minister serves as the chair, while the home minister, other ministers assigned by the prime minister, the chief secretary, the chief of army staff, the defence secretary, and other senior officials are members.

The panel plans to question former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak within the next two weeks through formal letters.

Earlier, the commission had recommended travel restrictions on six top officials, including Oli and Lekhak, to ensure their availability for inquiry.

Oli claims that the Karki-led government was also unconstitutional, making it difficult for the commission to record statements from him and the author. The commission’s chair said that he will carry out his duties as prescribed by law and that it is impossible to anticipate in advance whether individuals will agree or refuse to give a statement. A commission member added that they would not comment at this stage on the consequences if someone refused.

Can the commission meet its deadline?

Commission spokesperson Sharma said work is progressing steadily to meet the set deadline. “Work is moving at a rapid pace. Any delays have only occurred when certain details were not available on time,” he said. “The commission is making every effort to finish within the given timeframe.”

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said that there has been no discussion yet on extending the commission’s mandate. “The commission was given three months when it was formed and is currently carrying out its work,” he said. “If time proves insufficient, the commission may recommend an extension.”

In recent weeks, the commission has been taking statements daily. It has completed statements from police personnel deployed at key locations on September 8, from Maitighar to Tinkune, and is now recording statements from the officials responsible for their deployment.