Former Nepal Home Minister Lekhak told a probe commission that while he takes moral responsibility for September 8 deaths during Gen Z protests, the subsequent vandalism and arson on September 9 were part of a 'planned conspiracy against democracy.' He distinguished the initial legitimate demands of the protesters from the later destruction of state property, asserting it was a deliberate attack on the nation. Lekhak stated security agencies had agreed to avoid excessive force prior to the events.