Abducted MLA’s fate continues to remain uncertain

There was no breakthrough in the case of abducted Biju Janata Dal MLA Jhina Hikaka even as unconfirmed reports said the Maoists who had kept him hostage since March 24 started his trial in a “people’s court” on Thursday. HT reports. SC issues notices to Centre, state on abduction

There was no breakthrough in the case of abducted Biju Janata Dal MLA Jhina Hikaka even as unconfirmed reports said the Maoists who had kept him hostage since March 24 started his trial in a “people’s court” on Thursday morning.

However, nothing is known about the nature of the charges the rebels made against the legislator.

The Odisha government has again appealed to the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee of the CPI (Maoist) to release him “immediately, unhurt and in good health”.

Talking to reporters here, Odisha home secretary UN Behera said there was no information about the people’s court. “Whatever we have heard about the praja court, it is from the media only,” he said.

Behera said the government had announced on Wednesday about the withdrawal of prosecution against 13 persons. “It is hoped that the announcement has reached the Maoists,” he said.

On Wednesday, refusing to extend the deadline, the rebels had threatened to “decide his fate” in a “people’s court” as they had “no faith in the government”.