Himalayan News Service

Pokhara, May 14:

A group of Maoists bombed the Fishtail Lodge at Baidam, Pokhara, this evening. However, there were no casualties reported. Police said a group of Maoists barged into the dining room of the lodge at 7 pm and detonated the bomb there. Details of the damage were, however, not immediately available, police said. According to eye witnesses, Maoists forced tourists and other customers out of the Lodge, which caught fire after the explosion.Founded in 1960 and the oldest five star hotel in Pokhara, Fishtail Lodge is being run as Princess Jayanti Memorial Trust for the past one year.

The hotel enjoyed the patronage of princess Jayanti Shah and after her death in 2002, it was transferred to the trust.The Lodge had also been providing health services to the poor.There was no official claim from the Maoists till late in the evening.