Maoists release abducted two Orissa govt. employees

Bhubaneswar, Aug 11 (UNI) The Maoists today released the two government employees abducted and kept hostage by them since August 9 night.

Junior Engineer of Mohana Block Binod Kumar Kissan and peon Prasad Pattnaik were detained and kept hostage by the Maoists while they were going on foot towards Gudaripanka village under Adaba police station area of Gajapati district on the night of August 9 last.

The Maoist militants asked them to disclose their identity and after knowing their identity, they took them as hostages. They then sent two letters, reportedly to have written by the hostages to their family members stating that they were fine and would not be able to return home due to some urgent work.

The issue rocked the state assembly yesterday and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told the house that efforts were being made by the government to ensure the safety and early release of two government employees.

Official sources said the Maoists released the two employees at an undisclosed place close to Ranipanka forest under the Adba Police Station this afternoon.

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