GAIGHAT: A team of security personnel deployed from Udayapur District Police Office has arrested seven cadres of Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN Maoist including the party's central member and Koshi Bureau incharge Kiran Rai.

According to a source at the DPO, a police team rearrested the CPN Maoist cadres from the premises of District Administration Office, Dhankuta on Thursday, the day they were granted bail. They were arrested from Hile, Dhankuta, on March 19, on charge of setting off a bomb explosion at the residence of Nepali Congress State Assembly election candidate, Himal Karki from Udayapur Constituency 1.

Though police have not publicised the arrest of the Maoist cadres, Udayapur Chief District Officer Bishnu Karki has verified that they were brought to the DPO and have been taken into custody since Thursday night.

Meanwhile, CPNM Eastern Command incharge 'Birahi' has issued a press statement demanding quick release of Rai, who is also a former member of parliament. Further, the party has also declared Nepal Bandh, as a protest of the arrest, on April 17.