The Patan Appellate Court Tuesday resumed recording the statement of Maoist politburo member Matrika Yadav in connection with his alleged involvement in the murder of then Inspector General (IG) of the Armed Police Force, Krishna Mohan Shrestha, in 2003.

Yadav and Suresh Ale Magar, another central Maoist leader facing the same charge, were produced before the court on September 30 for the first time.

Then on October 2, the court had postponed the hearing after Yadav gave ‘unwarranted’ statement regarding the charge against him. Another accused Ale Magar had denied his involvement in the killing during the first trial.

The Maoist leaders were arrested in India some 20 months ago and were handed over to Nepali authorities. Both remained in army custody throughout these months.

IGP Shrestha was gunned down – along with his wife and bodyguard – by Maoist assailants on the morning of January 26, 2003 in Kathmandu.