Collector abduction: Maoists want their 8 workers released by May 2

In a fresh demand, the Maoists who have abducted Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon on Monday sought release of eight of their jailed associates by May 2 in exchange for freeing the IAS officer.

File photo of Sukma district collector Alex Paul Menon taken from his Facebook account.

In a message sent to the local media, the Maoists said that they would release Menon if the government sends eight of the jailed workers along with mediators BD Sharma and Prof Hargopal on May 2 to the Tadmetla village.

If the demand was not met, Menon's fate would be decided by a 'Jan Adalat', they said.

related story

Menon may be freed in next 48 hrs: Mediators

• Naxals shift goalpost, say release more men

• DC's abduction: Mediators hopeful of early release

The faxed message, signed by Ganesh Uike, secretary South Regional Committee of CPI (Maoist), also said that the collector is in the custody of People's Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA) and is being treated as a "prisoner of war".

The 32-year-old IAS officer was abducted on April 21.