Hetauda, November 14:

The CPN-(Maoist) has taken a youth into captivity on the charge of swindling money from youths on the pretext of providing them jobs in foreign country.

A 39-year-old Basanta Shakya of Hetaunda-10 was held for questioning over the case on November 8 and is still in Maoists’ captivity in Chitwan.

Shakya had collected Rs 2.5 million from five youths of Hetauda, Chitwan and Pokhara assuring them of jobs in Iraq.

However, he absconded after taking the youths to Singapore, the victimised youths said.

The Maoists said Shakya has confessed of collecting Rs two million from five youths.

However, Maoist leader in Makawanpur CP Ghimire said the gang, including Shakya, were found of swindling Rs 5,264,000.

Shakya’s family has appealed for his safe release. But the Maoists said he would be released on the condition of refunding the swindled money.

The HIMRIGHTS central regional office, Hetauda, and various human rights activists have protested against the Maoists’ action, saying that the act is against the peace treaty.

Issuing a release today, Prem Dahal of the HIMRIGHTS, demanded Shakya’s immediate release.