Kathmandu, March 18 -- The Communist Party of Nepal, led by Netra Bikram Chand, was branded a criminal outfit by the government on March 12, paving the way for police action against the group and its members as per the country's law. Until then, even though the group was involved in extortions, attacks and even bombings-back to back in the Capital in a span of two weeks-there was confusion whether it should be treated as a political party or criminal outfit.

What led to the March 12 decision to crack down on the Maoist offshoot?

An intelligence report obtained by the Post shows the Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal was planning to take action against various projects, groups, individuals and local representatives.

According to the rep...