Biratnagar, February 3:

The Eastern Division Headquarters of the RNA at Itahari said 21 bodies of Maoists were recovered so far after the clash between Maoists and security forces at Hatuwagadhi of Bhojpur on January 28.

Amaldar Kedar Subedi and Pyuth Resham Thapa of Kali Dhoj Battalion had died in the clash, the statement said. Three injured army men and one policeman are undergoing treatment in Kathmandu.

Similarly, RNA division said nine Maoist activists were arrested from Wasingthapu, Dhodhlekhani and Ranibas VDC of Bhojpur district within January 22 to February 2.

The division further informed that 1500 security personnel have been deployed in the area.