Orissa CM appeals for early release of abducted collector

Bhubaneswar, Feb 17 (PTI) Making an appeal for earlyrelease of abducted Malkangiri district collector R V Krishna,Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said the governmentwas evaluating all options and monitoring the situation.

"I appeal for early release of the young and energeticofficer who is known for his hard work among the poor andtribals," Patnaik told reporters here while terming theabduction of 30-year-old Krishna as unfortunate.

The government is evaluating all options andmonitoring the situation closely, the chief minister said,adding efforts were on to secure early release of the officer.

The letter sent by the collector''s captors had thehandwriting of Krishna, he said, adding that the ultras aredemanding a halt to anti-Maoist operations and release of allthose lodged in jails on charge of their involvement in Naxalactivities.

Krishna had visited the Maoist-hit Chitrakonda area inMalkangiri several times, he said, adding steps were beingtaken for the release of the 2005 batch IAS officer.