Nepal govt forms panel to probe killing of businessman by Maoists

Kathmandu, May 22 (UNI) The Nepal government today formed a three-member high-level probe panel to investigate the killing of Ram Hari Shrestha, a businessman who was allegedly killed by the Maoists' People's Liberation Army men.

A cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar formed the panel led by former justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari.

Assistant Inspector General of Police Amar Singh Sah and Joint Government Attorney Saroj Prasad Gautam are the other members of the high-level probe panel.

The panel has been given a deadline of fifteen days to look into Shrestha's murder and prepare its report.

Businessman Shrestha was allegedly abducted from his house in Kathmandu and taken to the Maoists' camp in Chitwan. There he was tortured, killed and thrown into the Trishuli river.

There were demonstrations and protests over the killing and the Prime Minister had met the slain businessman's wife and assured her action against the culprits.

After intense pressure, the Maoists has also formed a three- member separate team to investigate the incident.

The incident occured at a time when the Maoists has claimed the government's leadership, while the other political parties have said that the Maoists youth wing should be disbanded owing to its violent activities.

UNI XC SB CS2212