After remaining in captivity for nine days, Malkangiri Collector R.V. Krishna was released by Maoists on Thursday.
According to initial reports, around 15 Maoists dropped the collector at Doliamba village where a meeting of local tribal people was organised. One of the local Maoists
explained that the collector was abducted for the cause of the tribals who were being “exploited” and “oppressed” by the state administration.
The reports said the collector was held hostage on a well-guarded hilltop, eight km from Doliamba. Armed Maoist cadres were deployed all around the hill to repulse any possible attempt of attack by the security forces.
A lot of suspense and drama preceded the collector’s release as the Maoists, making a volte face, made fresh demands for granting freedom to the officer. They sought immediate release of their ideologue Ganti Prasad and a host of other leaders.
They even asked the three interlocutors to come to Malkangiri for further discussions and finalise the modalities of the district.
Jubilation broke out in front of the collector’s residence at Malkangiri as soon as the news reached that Mr Krishna was released.