The western headquarters of the Nepal Army has released 10 of 27 soldiers detained on charges of mutiny after interrogation. Chitra Ale, Dipak Shahi, and an unnamed third are still in custody and said to have been tortured excessively.

Spokesman Hem Jung Thapa said a three-member court of inquiry headed by Colonel Bharat Malla will investigate, after which the General Army Court will rule.

The soldiers revolted against what they termed "excesses" committed by the commanding officer of the Tripura Dal Battalion, an army training camp in Pokhara sub-municipality's Setidovan. One released soldier said they could not bear the tyranny of CO Himadri Kumar Thapa, his deputy Yadav Silwal, and Subedar Ramsharan Bhatta.

He also said human rights activists were not interested in their problems. Himadri Kumar Thapa has since been replaced by Prakash Deuja as CO of the 270-strong battalion.