Maoists set deadline for safe release of abducted cops

New Delhi/Raipur : Maoists have set a 48-hour deadline for Chhattisgarh government to meet their demands and secure the safe release of four abducted policemen, who have been held captive since September 19.

In the first communication by the rebels after the abduction of the cops, the Maoists on Sunday placed their demands before the state government, reports said on Monday.

It was not clear yet what were the specific demands of the Maoists, though they have reportedly sought the release of their jailed leaders in exchange of the policemen.

The four cops were abducted on September 19 from Bhopalpatnam in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, bordering Andhra Pradesh.

Three more policemen were kidnapped along with these four and their bodies were recovered a day later.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh is working in close tandem with the Andhra Pradesh government to trace and rescue the abducted cops.

The kidnapped cops are Assistant Sub-Inspector Sukhruram Bhagat, Constables Narendra Bhosale, Subhash Patre and B Toppo.

Wife of a Special Police Officer is also in the captivity of the ultras, reports claimed.