Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar release peon, hold sub-engineer captive

When Lakra and Partagiri did not return till Friday evening to the Bijapur district headquarters, a search operation was launched by the police and administration.

Published on: Nov 14, 2021, 01:31:50 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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A government peon was released by Maoists, two days after he and a sub-engineer were abducted while surveying an under-construction road in Bijapur district of Bastar region, police said on Saturday.

Sub-engineer Roshan Lakra who works for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY), went missing on Thursday when they had gone to survey a road about to be built between Bijapur town and Gorna-Mankeli. (SOURCED.)

According to the police, sub-engineer Roshan Lakra is still being held captive by Maoists and attempts to ensure his safe release are underway.

On Saturday, Lakra’s wife, through the media, appealed to the Maoists to release her husband.

“I have been told that my husband is being held captive by Maoists, I appeal to the cadres to release my husband because he is the sole breadwinner of his family and the family is dependent on him,” said Arpita, Lakra’s wife.

Lakra (35), who works for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) and his department’s peon Lakshman Partagiri (24) went missing on Thursday when they had gone to survey a road about to be built between Bijapur town and Gorna-Mankeli.

When Lakra and Partagiri did not return till Friday evening to the Bijapur district headquarters, a search operation was launched by the police and administration.

“On Friday night, Maoists released abducted PMGSY peon Laxman Pratagiri from Kanhaiguda village, four kilometers away from Gorna village, where he along with a sub-engineer was abducted by local militia cadres. Sub Engineer Ajay Lakra, is still in the custody of Maoists. Efforts are on to ensure his safe release,” said Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sunderaj P.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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