The judicial commission formed to investigate the killings and other violent incidents during the Gen Z protests of September 8–9 on Thursday started recording the statement of former inspector general of Nepal Police Chandra Kuber Khapung and former home secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi.

The Gen Z movement, organised against bad governance, corruption and nepotism, toppled the KP Sharma Oli-led government. On the strength of that movement, the interim government led by Sushila Karki was formed on September 12. The Karki government formed a three-member inquiry commission led by retired judge Gauri Bahadur Karki to investigate the excessive use of force and violent incidents that occurred during the youth uprising.

Following its formation, the commission ordered the top officials directly responsible for maintaining law and order including the then prime minister, home minister, home secretary, the police chief, and the head of the National Investigation Department (NID) not to leave Kathmandu without the commission’s permission.

The commission has already recorded the statements of then-head of the NID, Hutaraj Thapa, and other officials. On Thursday, it began recording the statements of then-IG Khapung and home secretary Duwadi as well.

Statement recording of former IG Khapung and then-home secretary Duwadi will continue for a few more days, said Bishweshwar Prasad (BP) Bhandari, a member of the commission.

The commission interrogated Raju Aryal, the Armed Police Force chief, on Wednesday.

The commission had ordered Khapung to furnish clarification within 24 hours while he was serving as the police chief.

A few days after its formation, the commission had sought the details of the officers deployed around the protest venue from the Nepal Police. In response, the police had replied without giving specific details as it stated that personnel from the rank of constable up to the IG had been deployed.

The commission then sent another letter. It accused the police leadership of non-cooperation and sought a 24-hour clarification from Khapung. Then, he sent both his clarification and the details as requested by the commission.

However, talking to the Post, Khapung had rejected allegations of non-cooperation with the commission.

“We have provided the necessary police personnel to assist the commission,” Khapung then told the Post. “As far as the issue of delay in providing the details of officers deployed at the incident sites is concerned, it occurred due to a lack of coordination between commission and the police officers, and that issue is now being resolved.”

The commission on Thursday again summoned Khapung, who had retired on November 12 from the service, as the head of Nepal Police for his and the institution’s role during the Gen Z movement.

The commission also recorded the statement of former home secretary Duwadi, said Bigyan Raj Sharma, spokesperson for the commission. Though Duwadi was serving as home secretary during the Gen Z movement, the interim government transferred him to the National Planning Commission on September 23.

The commission plans to summon sitting Inspector General of Police, Dan Bahadur Karki, after interrogating Duwadi and Khapung. On the first day of the movement, Karki was serving in the Human Resources Department before Khapung assigned him to lead the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari on September 9.

According to former AIG and commission spokesperson Sharma, the recording of statements of both Khapung and Duwadi may take a few days.

Earlier, then-IG Khapung told the Supreme Court that no police personnel can be subjected to disciplinary action for their action during the Gen Z movement.

A writ petition had been filed by Maqbul Miya of Arghakhanchi, naming Khapung and others as defendants, demanding actions against the police for the use of force during the movement. Following the initial hearing, the Supreme Court had ordered Khapung to furnish a written response within 15 days.

In his reply to the court on November 10, Khapung said that the actions of Nepal Police were carried out in good faith, in accordance with prevailing laws, with the aim of maintaining law and order and protecting public property.

Also, then-home minister Ramesh Lekhak submitted his reply to the Supreme Court on December 9 after a petition was filed accusing him of suppressing the Gen Z protests.

Lekhak has claimed that the firing that took place on September 8 occurred due to unforeseen circumstances. He has insisted that he had no role in the casualties of the protesters.

In his response to the writ petition filed demanding the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the suppression of the Gen Z movement, Lekhak refused to take responsibility for the use of force that resulted in the death of 19 people on the first day.

“While serving as home minister, I was performing my official duties when a difficult situation arose, leading to violent incidents,” Lekhak said in his reply. “As I had no role in this, the writ petition should be dismissed.”

He, however, said that he has so far not received any letter from the inquiry commission.

“Whether I will go for recording my statement will be known after the inquiry commission sends me a letter mentioning their intention,” Lekhak told the Post. “Without the probe panel sending a letter, there is no way I could say about my future steps.”

Erstwhile prime minister Oli reiterates that he will not record his statement with the commission accusing its chief Gauri Bahadur Karki of being biased against some leaders including the UML chief. Lekhak, who was home minister in Oli’s Cabinet, said he would decide what to do only when he receives a letter from the commission.

Commission spokesperson Sharma said the summons for investigation would soon be sent to Oli and Lekhak.