The 17 armed-rebels were “shot dead in encounters” in Doramba, Ramechhap, unlike what the Maoists have been claiming, concluded the high-level inquiry of the Royal Nepal Army (RNA), a published report said Thursday.

“According to a report prepared by the special investigation team of RNA Human Rights Cell, the rebels were killed in encounters with a joint patrol of the army and police that had reached the outskirts of Doramba village at around 10 a.m. on August 17,” the Himalayan Times reported.

“The patrol led by Company Commander were divided into different tasks groups to search the area and at around 10.30, the Maoists opened fire and threw improvised grenades at the scouts,” senior RNA officers were briefed Wednesday.

The exchange of fire continued for about 10 minutes and the Maoists were seen fleeing the area, the report said.

At 1 p.m., two locals informed the patrol of heavy presence of Maoists ahead. The patrol went around the bund to avoid direct confrontation, but at around 1:30, the scouts came under fire from both directions; a pipe bomb exploded right in front, said the army report.

“The security forces had to retaliate in self-defence that resulted in the killing of at least 12 armed rebels. The firing continued for about 20 minutes and socket bombs were hurled at the patrol from both sides.”

The National Human Rights Commission has already sent its independent team to Ramechhap to investigate the matter. Maoists said their 17 cadres and 2 civilians, all non-armed were killed after torture in the incident.