GORKHA: Police here rescued two children who were held hostage by their father for seven hours today.

A team of the police personnel deployed from District Police Office rescued three-month old Apsara and three-year old Namrata, who were taken hostage by their father Ram Bahadur Kumal in Gorkha Municipality Ward No 11.

Kumal had taken his daughters hostage by closing them in his house from 7:30 in the morning. He had not allowed anyone to enter his house showing weapons. The police had reached the house at 1 pm after they were informed about the incident by some local residents. It took nearly two hours to safely rescue the girls. However, Apsara sustained minor injuries. She has been sent to Kathmandu for treatment. Kumal, who is reported to be mentally ill, has been taken into police custody.