Odisha MLA abduction: Naxals issue new audio tape

Bhubaneshwar, April 17 (ANI): The Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee, the Maoist group responsible for the abduction of Biju Janata Dal MLA Jhina Hikaka, released a fresh audio tape on Tuesday reminding the Odisha Government of the deadline of Wednesday 5 p.m. for the fulfillment of its demands.

The audio tape says that the state government should convey its decision by 5 p.m. on Tuesday and if it has agreed to release all 29 prisoners as demanded in exchange for Hikaka's possible release on Wednesday.

The audio-tape warns that the state government will be responsible for any consequences if the demands are not met.

The Maoists have reportedly promised to release the MLA in the presence of his wife and the prisoners' lawyer, Nihar Ranjan Patnaik, if all their demands are met.

Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka belonging to the Biju Janata Dal was abducted on March 24 in the Koraput district. (ANI)