Maoists Free Abducted BDO after Jharkhand Govt Bows: Report

Maoists have freed Jharkhand official Prashant Kumar Layek after keeping him in captivity for nearly six days, reported CNN-IBN.

According to report, the state government yielded to arm-twisting by the rebels to secure release of its Block Development Officer (BDO).

Layek, BDO in Dakbhumgarh, was released at the Jharkhand Orissa border in the presence of a local media person and police then took him to his family, said report.

“They (Maoist) told me that their demands have been accepted and so they are releasing,” Layek was quoted as saying.

Home Secretary JB Tubid has denied making a deal for the release, report said.

However, report said citing sources that state government gave the Maoists Rs 30 lakh and promised to free 14 Maoist suspects from jail in exchange for the release of the BDO.

Government said on record that the prisoners are being released on legal grounds, said report.

“We are examining the cases of those who have been arrested,” Tubid was quoted as saying.