Maoists release abducted policemen in Chhattisgarh

Bastar (Chhattisgarh), Feb 12(ANI): Five policemen, who were abducted by Maoists from Narayanpur 18 days ago, walked free from an undisclosed location in the dense forests of Bastar region in Chhattisgarh on Saturday.

The released policemen are Ramadhar Patel, Ranjan Dubey, Manishankar Dubey, Raghunandan Dhruv and Tarasi Ikka.

Speaking to the media, Ranjan said that the Maoists had treated them with utmost hospitality during the 18 days of captivity.

"We were told by the Maoists that nothing wrong would happen with us. They said that we are left with no option as we are working to feed you families. Further they contended there were no issues concerning us. They said through us they wish to convey a message to the government that whatever the government is doing with poor public is objectionable," Ranjan said.

"The government must reconsider the manner in which it is treating the Bastar region. Throughout our captivity that lasted 18 days, the Maoists looked after us well without harming," he added.

Meanwhile, Pradeep Kumar (name changed), a Maoist leader told mediapersons that abduction of the policemen was to tell the authorities that the Maoists are fighting for the cause of poor and weaker sections of the region.

"Our main motive is to get justice for the poor and innocent villagers. The policemen of the region intentionally arrest and harass the villagers. To stop these kinds of misconduct with the villagers, we had abducted these policemen," the Maoist leader. (ANI)