Maoists abduct two persons prior to CM's visit to Western Orissa

Sambalpur, Apr 8 (UNI) Prior to the visit of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to this western Orissa town, the Maoists have abducted two persons from the camp of a contractor at Bhojpur under Kuchinda sub-division, 80 km from here, on Friday night.

Unconfirmed sources said the Maoists had abducted 21 people from the camp of a civil contractor Anil Agrawal of Balaji Construction but later they released 19 and kept hostage two persons but Samabalpur Superintendent of Police denied that 21 were abducted.

Police said cashier Ashok Sethi and Manager Prabir Swain of the private company were abducted by the Maoists. They were yet to be released. Police said efforts are on to rescue them.

Sources said the concerned contractor has been negotiating with the Maoists to get his staff released from the Maoists.

UNI XC/DP/TJP/AKP1754