Date:08/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/08/stories/2007120858370100.htm

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Two Maoists arrested for beating up Swiss tourist

Kathmandu: Nepalese police on Friday arrested two Maoist cadres, who allegedly beat up a Swiss tourist for not paying “donation” to their outfit.

The 31-year-old tourist, Steve Jeannereet, was allegedly thrashed by the Maoists as he did not have the money to pay as “donation” to the CPN-Maoist party, officials and witnesses said.

The incident took place on Thursday at Birethathi area, near Pokhara, while Mr. Jeannereet was returning from a trekking expedition.

The arrested Maoists would be produced before the tourist for identification, Superintendent of Police Ramesh Kumar Bhattarai said, adding the local Maoist commander had apologised for the incident.

After the incident, the Swiss tourist was taken to a hotel in Pokhara, where he was given medical treatment.

According to a staff of Adventure International Trekking, the Maoists were demanding Rs.1,800 for 18 days of travel.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s paramilitary Armed Police Force arrested 45 persons affiliated to armed groups operating in southern Nepal. — PTI