Maoists on Monday unconditionally released the three abducted Bihar policemen in Lakhisarai district, bringing an end to the nine-day-old hostage crisis.

There was no deal with Maoists to secure the release of three policemen abducted over a week ago, Bihar Chief Minister, Mr Nitish Kumar, said on Monday, and asserted that the government has been "firm

A massive search continued for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday to trace four policemen kidnapped by Maoists during an encounter with security forces in Lakhisarai district with the Bihar Police