Odisha: Maoists strike again; abduct BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka

New Delhi, Mar 24: With the Italian hostages still in Maoist custody, the trouble compounded when a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA was abducted in Odisha on Friday. Jhina Hikaka was abducted at around 12:30 am when he was on his way to Laxmipur in Koraput district.

The MLA's convoy was stopped by around 15 men, presumed to be Maoists. The Koraput SP has confirmed that the BJD MLA was picked up by the Naxals while he was on his way home.

The MLA's security officers and other officials were forced to continue their journey as the Maoists abducted the MLA. His driver and PSO was let off by the Maoists.

This incident comes days after 2 Italians were abducted by Maoists in Odisha. Massive search operations are underway by security officials to rescue and trace the abducted MLA.

OneIndia News