Three youths from Pune who were allegedly abducted by Maoists while they were on their way in bicycles to spread the message of peace have been released by the insurgents in Chhattisgarh’s restive Sukma district, police said.
“The youths have been released and they have safely reached Chintalnar camp of the police,” according to Inspector General of Police (IGP), Bastar Range, SRP Kalluri.
The youths identified as Aadarsh Patil, Vilas Valake and Shrikirhna Shevale were abducted from Basaguda area of the neighbouring Bijapur district and were kept at Timmapuram village forests near Chinger under Jagargunda police station and were under the custody of Maoist commander Papa Rao, Kalluri said.
Soon after getting news of the abduction, police had suspended all anti-Naxal operations in south Bastar, he said.
later, the police were able to locate the whereabouts of the three youths following which talks were held with the abductors to secure their safe release, he said
The youths had on December 20 launched a cycle rally from Pune under their “Bharat Jodo” (link India) campaign to propagate the message of peace in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, the States which are worst affected by insurgency over past three decades, he said.
The youths passing through several places of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh states were allegedly abducted by the insurgents in Bijapur district.
The youths were going to conclude their rally at Balamela in Odisha on January 10, he said.