Ramechhap, June 27:

The Maoists severely beat up a hotelier for refusing to reduce the room rents for a team of Maoist artistes visiting Bamti Deurali on Monday.

According to a local eyewitness, the Maoists wanted special rates from all the hotels at Bamti Deurali for the artistes visiting there for a cultural show.

However, 37-year-old Chhoda Sherpa of Bamti VDC-4 told the Maoists that they would have to pay the same rent as others. Infuriated by this, Maoists led by Bishwas thrashed Sherpa, who fell unconscious.

Next day the villagers held a meeting to denounce the Maoists’ action and demanded punishment for the culprit and compensation for the victim. Maoist cadre Tulsi Bhakta Pradhan and area head offered apology for the incident. The Maoists gave Rs 500 to the victim.

The Maoists’ district office secretary Prem Sagar said he was not aware of the incident.