Naveen Patnaik postpones Chennai trip

With an Italian and a ruling party legislator abducted by Maoists still not traced, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday postponed a trip to Chennai.

On Thursday and Friday, Patnaik was to attend the foundation laying ceremony of Odisha Bhaban in Chennai, and meet agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan.

“The visit has been postponed in view of the hostage crisis,” an official of Patnaik’s office told IANS.

Maoists in Odisha are holding Italian tour operator Bosusco Paolo and Biju Janata Dal legislator Jhina Hikaka since March 14 and 24 respectively.