Senior govt. official dies under Maoist custody (news update) Assistant regional administrator of the eastern development region, Prem Prakash Sharma Sapkota, has died in the Maoists' captivity in eastern Nepal on Friday, reports said quoting sources close to the Maoists. Prem Prakash Sharma (File Photo) Reports said Sapkota died at Rajarani area of Dhankuta district this morning. Officials said they did not have details. A local Maoist leader called up human rights activists and media personnel in the region this afternoon and informed them about the death of Sapkota. He said Sapkota was suffering from asthma, sugar and high blood pressure and was found dead where he was kept into captivity at a remote village. Maoists had abducted 15 government employees and security personnel after attacking the headquarters of eastern district of Dhankuta on February 7—on the eve of the municipal polls. They released eleven persons after five days but continued to keep Sapkota and three police personnel under their custody for “further investigation.” Reports said 57-year-old Sapkota from Pokhara had been taken seriously ill after he had run out of his medicines. The rebels refused to release him on “humanitarian grounds” despite repeated calls for his release by his family members and rights groups. Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC)—a Kathmandu-based rights group—said Friday that the Maoists must take responsibility for the death of Sapkota under their captivity. The group has also called on the rebels to free three policemen still under Maoist custody. The rebels had earlier alleged Sapkota of conspiring into alleged killings of their cadres. A former chief district officer, Sapkota had been sent to Dhankuta to take up the job of assistant regional administrator some eight months ago. nepalnews.com by Feb. 17 06