Maoists release four captive cops

Raipur : After 12 days of hostage crisis in Chhattisgarh, the Maoists have set free four of their captive policemen, succumbing to the appeal of their wives and children, on Thursday night.

Dantewada’s Deputy Inspector General of Police S R P Kalluri said on Friday the abducted policemen were handed over to a team of local TV channel in the Bijapur jungle.

Breaking the news to Mr Kalluri, the DIG said he had talked to the released policemen and the channel reporter Bappi Rai, who facilitated in the safe release of the cops through successful mediation.

The DIG said sub-inspector Sukh Ram Bhagat and constables Narendra Kumar Bhosle, Subhash Patre and B Toppo were all safe and sound.

Arrangements are being made on Friday to escort the released cops to their family members after primary health check up, he added.

The Maoist guerillas had abducted seven policemen on September 19 int the restive Bijapur district, about 350 kms south of Raipur.

The bodies of three of the seven were found near Dipa village of the district a day after the kidnapping.

The freedom of four cops comes within a month after the red rebels did same thing to three cops of neighbouring Bihar after hacking one in Lashisarai district.

The CPI(O) wants stoppage of “Green Hunt” operation and release of jailed comrades.