Kathmandu, April 6 -- The Supreme Court on Monday directed authorities to conclude the investigation into former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak by Thursday, April 9, or release them from custody.

A division bench of justices Binod Sharma and Sunil Kumar Pokhrel declined to order their immediate release but set a deadline for completing the probe.

"Complete the investigation and take necessary legal action, or release Oli and Lekhak from custody in accordance with the National Criminal Procedure Code," the court order said.

Oli and Lekhak were arrested on March 28 on charges linked to the use of lethal force during the Gen Z protests on September 8, which left 19 people dead.

Their arrest followed r...