Kathmandu, Aug 28: A senior army officer was shot dead by Maoist activists in Nepal's capital early today while he was cleaning his car at home, police said. "A Royal Palace Army Colonel was shot dead early this morning at Purano Baneshwor in Kathmandu while he was cleaning his car in his residence and his body guard was also injured," police said.

"Colonel Krishna Basnyet was washing his car when the incident occurred," police said. A group of ten attackers fled the scene after the incident, shouting "long live Maoism," police said quoting witnesses.

Bureau Report