NHRC Recommends Probe Into Politicians, Influencers Over Gen-Z Protests

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has released its investigation report into the Gen-Z movement and protests that took place on Bhadra 23 and 24 last year. The commission has recommended legal action against then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung through the formulation of a new law.

Apart from senior political leaders, the commission has also advised authorities to conduct detailed investigations into several activists, rights campaigners, artists, and influencers allegedly linked to the protests. The report specifically recommends investigations into filmmakers and artists Nischal Basnet and Aman Pratap Adhikari.

The report also calls for further investigation into Victor Poudel, operator of the popular social media page Routine of Nepal Banda, along with influencers and public figures Sisan Baniya, Tank Dahal, Bhagya Neupane, Bhim Upadhyay, Bibek Thapaliya, and Nishan Mainali. Former CEO of the ride-sharing app Pathao, Asimman Basnet, has also been recommended for investigation.

Following the publication of the report, Nischal Basnet said he was fully prepared to cooperate with investigators. “I have already appeared before the commission and given my statement,” Basnet told Kantipur. “They have now recommended further investigation, and I am ready to assist in the process.”

Basnet also urged authorities through social media to begin the investigation with him. “Among the many names mentioned in the Human Rights Commission report, mine is also included. Please start the investigation with me first so that the truth can come out clearly,” he wrote.

Another influencer named in the report, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment over the inclusion of his name. “Balen’s name is nowhere in the report, but mine has been included for investigation. It feels unfair,” he said.

Meanwhile, artist Aman Pratap Adhikari claimed he had no knowledge about the matter and declined to comment further. “I do not know anything about this issue, so I do not want to make any comments right now,” he said.