New Delhi, August 1:

The government of India has taken up with the government of Nepal through its embassy in Kathmandu “incidents of extortion against businessmen and industrial units including Indian joint ventures in the Hetauda-Birgunj area and cases involving Indian joint ventures at the highest levels, Indian external affairs ministry spokesman Nav-tej Sarna said here today.

Sarna added that Indian authorities are in “constant touch with the Government of Nepal” on such incidents, the Government of Nepal has been urged to investigate those incidents and provide security and safety to the Indian nationals in Nepal.

He also made a reference to a specific complaint proffered by Rakesh Wadhwa, Executive Director of the Nepal Recreation Centre Pvt. Limited about the threat received from the Maoist- affiliated All Nepal Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union.