The District Police Range, Kathmandu, on Wednesday began recording the statements of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in the presence of officials from the district attorney's office.

Lekhak was arrested from his residence in Katunje, Bhaktapur, on March 28 for his alleged role in the killings of youths on the first day of the Gen Z protest on September 8. “We are recording his statement now,” said Pawan Bhattarai, spokesperson at the range.

The arrest followed a formal complaint from the Home Ministry and a subsequent investigation, citing the implementation of recommendations from a commission formed to probe the protests.

The inquiry commission, led by former Special Court chair Gauri Bahadur Karki, has recommended prosecution under Sections 181 and 182 of the National Penal Code for criminal negligence, with a possible sentence of up to 10 years.

The commission had linked Lekhak to alleged negligence and reckless conduct that resulted in human casualties during the September Gen Z protests, and recommended a criminal investigation. Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has also been arrested on the same charge.

Lekhak's remand is expiring on Thursday, and the police will present him in court for a potential extension.