NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES US ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad
The Janashakti group of Naxalites finally released Marthand Rao, a relative of Union Minister of State for Home Ch Vidyasagar Rao, after holding him hostage for eight days.
A senior district police officer told rediff.com on Friday night that Marthand Rao was set free by the Ranadhir dalam (armed squad) of Janashakti Naxalites at a place between Gambhiraopet and Yellareddypet in Karimnagar district.
"He was released at 8.30pm on Friday night, exactly eight days after he was abducted," the officer said. "He is on his way home." Marthand Rao's relatives said that he would return to Hyderabad.
The deal for Marthand Rao's release was clinched on October 29 itself and was even announced. But a last-minute hitch saw the Janashakti group hold him back and make fresh demands.
Though the police officer did not give any further details, it is understood that members of Marthand Rao's family 'persuaded' the abductors to set him free after accepting certain demands, including a fiat to distribute about 100 acres of their land among the landless poor of Korem village.
EARLIER REPORTS: Union minister's relative abducted by Naxalites Naxalites free Union minister's kinsman Andhra abduction drama not over; Naxals set fresh demands
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
