Nepal’s police have arrested 423 individuals linked to crimes from murder to vandalism during the September uprising that led to the government’s fall, as reported by released police data on Monday.
The accused are also charged with illegal weapon possession and use, theft, and indecent conduct, according to the data.
“We are investigating the incidents and gathering information,” said Nepal police spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle.
Youth-led “Gen Z” protests, named for those under 28, began on September 8 after the government banned social media.
Economic struggles and rising corruption anger fueled the movement, which escalated into a nationwide protest that resulted in the government’s collapse when crowds set fire to the parliament and Supreme Court.
A recent police report states 76 people died in two days, including 63 protesters, 10 escaped prisoners, and three officers.
Post-uprising, thousands of activists used Discord to nominate 73-year-old former chief justice Sushila Karki as interim leader. She was appointed prime minister, with elections set for March 2026.
Arrests have continued since the unrest, with Monday’s police data revealing the scale of detentions.
Over 2,700 structures were attacked, including government buildings, police stations, businesses, and politicians’ homes. Supermarkets and private residences were looted too.
Protesters were seen with rifles on day two, allegedly seized from police.
Approximately 14,500 detainees escaped during the chaos, with 5,020 still at large, authorities say.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal announced a special operation to recapture escapees and recover weapons.
Gen Z protest group representatives demand Aryal’s resignation, blaming him for the violent crackdown on young protesters.
Travel bans have been imposed on former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and four senior officials as a commission probes the unrest.
