Phidim, October 27:

A Dalit youth today accused the Maoists of torturing him for three days on the charge of stealing money from a hotel owner.

Kancha Tamang alias Padam Sarki, 27, a native of Ranke Bazaar of Pauwasartap VDC in Panchthar, was charged with stealing Rs 32,000 from the hotel of Kamal Budathoki at Ranke bazaar on October 23.

The next day the Maoists caught hold of Sarki and took him away, only to subject him to extreme physical torture for three days. Sarki has sustained severe injuries in his hands, legs, feet and face.

Sarki said the Maoists released him yesterday after they found only Rs 7 on his person. They have, however, directed him to pay Rs 40,000 to Budathoki. Sarki said he never stole any money from Budhathoki. A Maoist cadre Arjun said the party is probing the matter.