Kathmandu, Dec. 30 -- Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has denied any role in the September 8 killings and stated that the unprecedented nationwide arson and vandalism on September 9 was a premeditated conspiracy that needs a thorough investigation.

On Monday, appearing before the Gauri Bahadur Karki-led inquiry commission that is investigating the brutal crackdown of the September 8-9 Gen Z protests, Congress leader Lekhak said the violent acts of September 9 were planned and deliberate.

On September 8, the first day of the Gen Z movement, over a dozen unarmed youths were killed by police outside the federal parliament. The following day, the country saw widespread destruction. Vital infrastructures were set on fire including Singhad...