"We would work to save the life of the hostage and release him safely," Sherchan told myrepublica.com. He added that the investigation would tentatively take a week to reach conclusion. [break]
Dr Shrestha was abducted on May 18 by Maoists and is in their captivity. He was abducted owing to his differences with a section of Maoists in connection with financial dealings and managerial issues at the hospital.
UCPN (Maoist) and its senior leader Ram Bahadur Thapa had denied their roles in the incident through separate statements. Similarly, the party has been venting its wrath at Republica and Nagarik dailies which published news reports highlighting the party´s role in the crime.
Sherchan, the standing committee member of UCPN (Maoist), however, said that his committee would also pay due heed to the facts disclosed by the media in course of investigation. "I would consult media and the civil society during the investigation." he added.
"We have had a variety of information and we will look into all aspects," he said. "But I cannot comment right now on any specific media report."
Asked about the arson by the Maoists on a vehicle carrying Nagarik and Republica dailies in Chitwan on Saturday morning, Sherchan said that he was not aware of the incident.
Meanwhile, Nepal Police said that it was fully engrossed in investigation headed by Additional Inspector General Prakash Kunwar whose probe committee has given asked to submit report within a week.
"Our objective is to ensure safe and unconditional release of the hostage and to prosecute the culprits," said police spokesman Bigyan Raj Sharma.
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