Suspected Maoists Monday shot dead a policeman in civilian uniform at Ramthan in Kapilvastu district at 8 AM, police said. Khim Bahadur Adhikari died en route hospital.

Rebels fled to a nearby jungle after the shooting incident. Security forces have launched a manhunt for the insurgents.

Rebels Friday abducted Principal of Kamala Secondary Higher School Keshab Baral and postman Guru Dahal from Hatpate village in Sindhuli district, local officials said.