Maoists, Jharkhand Government involved in swap deal

Ranchi (Jharkhand), Feb 17 (ANI): There are reports that Maoists have struck a deal with the Jharkhand Government for the safe release of abducted Dalbhumgarh Block Development Officer (BDO) Prashant Kumar Layek.

Sources said the state government is looking at swap deal for BDO Layek's release.

"Jharkhand Government may release two jailed Maoists in exchange for the abducted BDO," claimed sources.

The Maoists have promised to kill BDO Layek if their demands are not met, said sources.

The fate of Layek hangs in balance as the deadline set by the Maoists for the unconditional release of 15 villagers, who were arrested in the East Singhbhum District on the charges of supporting the rebels ends today.

Spokesman of the Maoists' Bengal-Orissa-Jharkhand Regional Border Committee Rakesh ji has said that they would not guarantee the safety of the abducted BDO if their demands were not met within 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Armed Maoists abducted BDO Layek in broad daylight on Saturday as he completed a Grama Sabha in Dalbhumgarh district.

According to eyewitnesses, Maoists came in around seven bikes and abducted Layek at gunpoint.

Jharkhand Police suspects that Maoists might have taken Layek inside the forest along the West Bengal border.

The Maoists are demanding the immediate bail of two surrendered Maoist cadres.

This is the second incident in last five months in Jharkhand.

In September 2009, the Maoists had kidnapped and beheaded Special Branch Officer, Francis Induwar in Ranchi district. (ANI)