Gaighat, January 1:

Transport workers today closed down the Beltar bazaar in Udaypur district to protest the beating of three local transport workers by a group of around 20 Maoists last night.

The Maoists led by Birendra Tamang abducted taxi driver Raj Kumar Chaudhari from the house of Birendra Jha and beat him mercilessly with an iron rod, said Tamang’s relatives , adding that “his condition is critical”. The Maoists also beat up helpers Navaraj Rai and Kaluman Rai. Last night’s incident has sparked tension in the bazaar.Business institutions also remained shut all day.

Meanwhile, Maoist area in-charge Niroj condemned last night’s incident. The injured Chaudhari has been sent to the Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health Scien-ces for treatment, he said.