Nepalese authorities have detained more than 400 individuals linked to the widespread protests that erupted in September, leading to the collapse of the government. According to police data released on Monday, the arrests include suspects accused of crimes ranging from murder and vandalism to illegal possession of weapons, theft, and indecent behavior. The protests, initially sparked by a government ban on social media, quickly escalated into nationwide unrest fueled by economic struggles and widespread corruption. The violence resulted in at least 76 deaths, including protesters, escaped prisoners, and police officers. During the chaos, over 2,700 structures were attacked, including government buildings, police stations, and private residences. Additionally, around 14,500 detainees escaped from prisons, with 5,020 still at large. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal announced a special operation to recapture the escapees and recover looted weapons. Meanwhile, representatives of the youth-led ‘Gen Z’ protest groups have called for Aryal’s resignation, accusing him of failing to hold those responsible for the deadly crackdown accountable. The government has imposed travel bans on former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and four senior officials as an investigation into the unrest continues.
