Over 7,000 Inmates Who Escaped During Nepal Gen-Z Protests Return To Prisons

Last Updated:September 28, 2025, 23:47 IST

A total of 14,558 prisoners had escaped the detention centres across the country during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9.

Nepal’s youth protests began on September 8. (Photo Credit: X)

Over 7,700 inmates, who escaped from several prisons during the recent Gen-Z protests in Nepal, have been returned or brought back to their respective detention centres, according to authorities.

The protests, primarily driven by students and young citizens, rapidly escalated into Nepal’s bloodiest day since the 2006 pro-democracy movement, with the death of at least 74 people, including police personnel. Houses of several politicians were burned down by enraged protesters.

A total of 14,558 prisoners had escaped the detention centres across the country during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9, according to officials at the Prison Management Department. Ten prisoners have died during the clash with the security forces, while 7, 735 inmates have returned to their respective prisons.

Meanwhile, 6,813 prisoners are still absconding from different jails, and the government has launched a hunt to arrest those prisoners.

The violent youth-led protests erupted earlier this month over corruption allegations and a controversial social-media ban. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations turned deadly when crowds stormed government buildings, including Parliament, prompting security forces to fire tear gas, water cannons and live rounds.

The crisis forced Prime Minister Oli to resign on September 9, a day after the clashes. An interim government headed by former chief justice Sushila Karki took charge on September 12 to restore order and oversee fresh elections due in March 2026.

In his first public address since stepping down, Oli on Saturday launched a blistering attack on the interim government, branding it a “government of publicity" and questioning its legitimacy following nationwide Gen Z protests earlier this month.

Oli accused the interim leadership of coming to power through “vandalism and arson" rather than constitutional process or popular mandate, calling it a “Gen-Z government" that lacks democratic legitimacy. He urged a return to constitutional norms and pledged to restore the rule of law and democratic governance.

(with inputs from PTI)

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