Friday, May 6 2005 12:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Suspected Maoist rebels today (May 6, 2005) shot dead a top Hindu priest and injured one of his aides in western Nepal while he was performing a religious ceremony at a temple.

Narayan Prasad Pokharel, President of Nepal Chapter Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was gunned down around 06:30 hrs (local time) at Ram Nagar near Butwal, 300 kms southwest of Kathmandu, sources in the organisation said, adding one of his associates was wounded in the attack.

His body will be airlifted to Kathmandu for last rites, they said.

Pokarel, 50, was performing a yagna to appease gods and raise money for a local college.

The rebels have not claimed responsibility for the attack.