CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said anyone found guilty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Madi incident, where a bus was ambushed by then underground Maoists killing 39 persons, should face action.

Inaugurating a volleyball competition in Madi, Chitwan, on Saturday, Dahal said the ambushing of bus in Madi on June 6, 2005, was the biggest mistake committed by the party during the insurgency period. He claimed that he had directed the party to take action against those involved in the bombing of the bus immediately after the incident unfolded. 

The Maoist chief, who is contesting upcoming elections from Chitwan constituency 3, had reached the district and also went on to assure that the next government would provide relief to the victims of Madi. This, however, is not the first time he has promised relief to the victims.

Dahal, on February 28, 2013, had reached Madi and sought forgiveness and also announced a relief package of Rs 6 million for the victims. But the victims never received the promised amount. He laid the blame of relief distribution delay to frequent changes in government.

On June 6, 2005, a bomb ripped apart a bus full of civilians and 12 army personnel in Badarmudhe river. Thirty-nine people, including the army men, had died on the spot. Most of the 72 injured were rendered physically disable.

(The aftermath of the bombing at Badarmude, Madi, in Chitwan district)