Naveen Patnaik urges Maoists to release collector R Vineel Krishna

Bhubaneswar : Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has urged the Maoists to release a district collector abducted by the rebels.

Malkangiri district Collector R Vineel Krishna was abducted on Wednesday while he was returning home at Gumma block with an ultimatum for withdrawal of central para-military forces in Orissa.

“I appeal for the release for the young collector who is known for his hard work for the poor and tribals,” Patnaik said in his appeal to the rebels through media.

Earlier, Union Home Secretary GK Pillai said in Delhi that he was confident that the state government will be able to negotiate his release.

He said the area is cut off but back channel efforts were underway to get the IAS officer back.