pdf file (93 pages, 8 Mb) - Human Rights Watch

and why he had not reported to Khanikhola Police Station that day, as he was required
to do (see below).
Ojha’s relatives learned of the arrest the next day, and reported the detention to the
ICRC, NHRC, Amnesty International, and other human rights groups. A second person
arrested together with Ojha 3 was released after about three months, and informed the
family that he had been held together with Ojha at the Chaunni army barracks for thirty
days. During this period, according to the released detainee, Ojha had been severely
beaten by RNA soldiers and had suffered injuries to his chest. The family was unable to
obtain any more information until late September 2004, when they received a oneminute
phone call from Ojha, who told them he was “fine inside,” but was unable to
state where he was being held.
Ojha was originally from Goganpani VDC in Dhading district, but was living in
Kathmandu, working as a construction supplies dealer, at the time of his arrest. He had
earlier been active in the Maoist movement, but surrendered himself on January 28, 2002
(Magh 15, 2058) to the RNA. After his surrender, he was held for fifteen days at the
Dhadingbesi army camp, and then transferred to the CDO’s office in Dhading, where he
spent ninety days in detention under TADA. After his release, he was required to report
regularly to the Khanikhola police station. He did not resume his Maoist activities after
his surrender, according to family members. 4
3. Surendra Rai
Thirty-eight-year-old Surendra Rai, a member of the
ethnic Rai community, worked in a carpet factory in
Kathmandu. On February 27, 2004 (Falgun 15, 2060), a
group of four RNA soldiers in civilian dress came to the
factory accompanied by a co-worker of Surendra Rai,
who pointed him out to the soldiers. The soldiers
detained Rai at the factory, but nine days later they
returned Rai to his home and released him. On March 15,
2004 (Chaitra 2, 2060), two RNA soldiers in civilian dress
came to Rai’s home and asked him to accompany them.
Other RNA soldiers were waiting outside the home. He
was released again the next day and told to report to the
3
The name of the second detainee is on file with Human Rights Watch. His identity is being withheld to protect
his safety.
4
Human Rights Watch interview with a relative of Arjun Ojha, Kathmandu, October 11, 2004.
107