BBC Investigation Reveals Police Order Led to Gen Z Protest Killings in Kathmandu

A BBC investigation has uncovered new evidence suggesting that a direct police order led to the deaths of 19 protesters, including some wearing school uniforms, during demonstrations in Kathmandu last September.

The findings challenge official narratives about the shootings, which occurred during widespread protests that rocked the Nepalese capital. According to the BBCs analysis, the deaths were not random acts of violence but followed a coordinated command structure within the security forces.

Eyewitness accounts and newly obtained documentation indicate that police officers received specific instructions regarding the handling of demonstrators, with fatal consequences for those gathered in the streets. Among the victims were young people still wearing their school uniforms, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence.

The protests were part of a broader Gen Z-led movement demanding political reform and accountability from the government. What began as peaceful demonstrations escalated following the security forces intervention, culminating in the deadliest civil unrest in Kathmandu in recent years.

Human rights organisations have condemned the killings and called for independent investigations into the chain of command that authorised the use of lethal force. The BBCs revelations add significant weight to these demands, providing concrete evidence of high-level involvement in the decision-making process.

Family members of the deceased have expressed frustration with the pace of official inquiries, noting that months after the tragedy, no senior officers have been held accountable. The new evidence raises questions about potential cover-ups and the transparency of investigations conducted by Nepalese authorities.

International observers have urged the Nepalese government to cooperate fully with independent forensic investigations and to ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice. The case has drawn attention to broader concerns about police accountability and the use of force against civilian protesters across South Asia.

As pressure mounts for answers, the Kathmandu killings stand as a stark reminder of the lethal consequences when state security forces turn their weapons on unarmed citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly.