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Italian tourists in the custody of Maoists

NEW DELHI: Two Italian tourists have been abducted here by Maoists. The Paulo Bosusco, 54, and Claudio Colangelo, 61, were abducted while trekking in the resort of Daringibadi in Kandhamal, said officials.The Maoists spokesperson accused them of taking photographs of Bathing women.

The center stopped Anti Naxal operations in the state after the incident. The rebels issued a list of demands for the men’s release which includes freeing top Maoist leaders.

Italy has been informed by India about the incident. The incident comes at a time when ties between the two countries have come under stress over the killing of two Indian fishermen by Italian naval guards off the Kerala coast over a month ago.

“India informs Italy of efforts being made byOrissa government for release of two kidnapped Italian nationals,” Syed Akbaruddin, ministry of external affairs spokesman.

Chief Minister of Orissa Patnaik termed it as a heinous crime.He said “The government is ready for any kind of negotiations under the law, but they should first release the two men”.

Italian consul general Joel Nechiori rushed to Bhubaneswar and met the state home secretary. He said “We are hopeful that the kidnappers will accept the appeal made by the chief minister to release the hostages. We are working together with the police and administration”.

Kandhamal police superintendent Jaynarayan Pankaj told that an Indian tourist guide and driver travelling with the men were freed and being questioned to learn more of the abduction.

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