Kathmandu, Nov 30: Maoist cadres arrested for their alleged involvement in several extortion cases in Nepal have been freed following a directive from Prime Minister Prachanda, media reports said today.

"The Home Minister has conceded that the government set free members of Maoist-affiliated All Nepal Security Workers' Union (ANSWU) as per the direction of Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal," The Kathmandu Post said.

Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam, according to the daily, said that the concerned ANSWU members were freed under the "direct order" of Prime Minister Prachanda.

Police had on Friday arrested 15 persons including General Secretary of ANSWU Shaligram Kafle on charges of attempting to extort Rs 300,000 from a company based in the capital.

Besides, the ANSWU members also allegedly manhandled the company's supervisor Gopal Gautam and legal consultant Tulasi Parajuli.

After their release the Maoist trade union workers issued a notice to the company's president and other managerial staff to leave the capital within 24 hours.

Bureau Report