Kathmandu, Nov 30: Interpol has issued an arrest warrant for a Nepalese Maoist leader detained in August in India, a Nepalese official said today. The Home Ministry official said Interpol has agreed to "Red-Corner" notices against 17 Maoists, up from the seven announced last week. Red-Corner notices require deportation to countries where suspects face charges.
Nepal sought Interpol's assistance after the Maoists ended a seven-month ceasefire in August, resuming their insurgency that has claimed more than 8,200 lives.
The official said one warrant was issued for Chandra Prakash Gajurel, who was arrested on August 19 in Chennai as he tried to board a flight to Europe.
He has since been held in the city's central jail as authorities probe allegations he was using a forged British passport.
Top rebel leader Prachanda has urged India to release Gajurel, who he said was headed to Europe to publicise the views of the Maoists, who have been fighting since 1996 to overthrow Nepal's monarchy. Bureau Report