Kathmandu: Nepal’s high level commission investigating the incidents of 23 and 24 Bhadra has begun questioning senior officials responsible for policy decisions, but two of the most prominent figures former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak have yet to appear.

With the commission’s mandate ending on 5 Poush, and only two weeks remaining, officials say the panel may resort to legally compelling their attendance if they continue to refuse.

Commission spokesperson and former AIG Bigyan Raj Sharma confirmed that statements from nearly 150 individuals, mainly field level officers and administrators have already been taken. Still pending are statements from former PM Oli, former Home Minister Lekhak, former Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, Nepal Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, and Nepal Police IGP Dan Bahadur Karki.

The commission had earlier advised restricting the travel of Oli and Lekhak, preventing them from leaving the Kathmandu Valley without permission. Oli, however has repeatedly called the commission “unconstitutional” and has refused to appear.

“We will formally notify them first,” Sharma said. “If they still do not appear, we will begin legal procedures and request the government to ensure their attendance.”

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said the government is ready to assist if asked: “No one is above the rule of law.”

UML’s Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali reiterated the party’s objection, saying the commission “lacks impartiality,” and therefore Oli will not participate.

This week, Armed Police Chief Raju Aryal was questioned, with the commission indicating he may be recalled. Former police chief Chandra Kubera Khapung and former Kathmandu CDO Chhabi Rizal accused of authorizing the firing on protesters in New Baneshwor have also been interrogated.

Senior officers from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, the National Investigation Department, and the Federal Parliament Secretariat have already given statements.

The commission is preparing to question Army Chief Sigdel next, saying the military must clarify its presence around key state institutions during the incidents.

The inquiry body plans to begin drafting its final report within the week, though it may request a short extension if required.

Formed under former Supreme Court Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, the commission is mandated to investigate human and material losses during the protests, identify causes, recommend preventive measures, and outline an implementation plan.

Though armed with significant legal powers including the ability to seize documents or detain individuals previous commissions have rarely exercised such authority.

With only days remaining, the commission faces intense pressure to complete its interrogations and submit its report on time.