http://www.nepalnews.com.np/archive/2007/apr/apr18/news03.php Police take into control Prachanda’s vehicle
Police on Tuesday took a jeep used by the Maoist supremo Prachanda under control after businessman Raju Shrestha claimed that the vehicle belonged to him.
Superintendent of Police, Dhak Bahadur Karki confirmed that police seized the vehicle, adding, “The vehicle is in Kathmandu District Police Office, Hanumandhoka. We will hand it over to the person who comes with legal document.â€
The Nishan jeep with plate number Ba 5 Pa 1718 was in the parking area of Hotel Ashoka at Bagbazaar when Shrestha, a resident of Budhanilkantha, claimed that the jeep belonged to him and it was stolen. He then got into it and started the vehicle using the spare key he still retained.
But Maoist cadres surrounded the vehicle before Raju could drive away. As a scuffle ensued between Shrestha and Maoist cadres, police arrived at the scene and seized the vehicle.
Shrestha said the Maoists abducted him and forcefully took away the vehicle including some valuables on October 19, 2006. He also said the real number plate of the vehicle was Ba 5 Cha 1718.
Maoist Central leader Ananta said the Maoists were planning to return the vehicle on Wednesday.
“We told Shrestha to come to the police office with sufficient official documents. We will hand over the jeep to the “actual owner†after an investigation,†SP Karki added.
It is said that normally the jeep used to be used to ferry top Maoist leaders, including Prachanda. nepalnews.com pb Apr 18 07
