News Desk: Several TV reports said that Sukma District Collector Alex Paul Menon, who was abducted by Maoists from Chhattisgarh border on Saturday, has moved to neighbouring Odisha.

Odisha, which is already under pressure for hostage crisis, it would be a very tough for it to deal with the issue. Menon is reportedly brought to the forests of Malkangiri in Odisha.


As per the TV reports, the abductors have crossed the Saberi river and entered the forest area in Malkangiri, which is a Maoist-hit area, for a safe haven. The Collector is being guarded by nearly 500 Maoists in the jungle.


Reports said that Maoists took Menon hostage in the area near Podia and Kalimela - two small towns dominated by the Red rebels in Malkangiri district of Odisha. Intelligence sources also said that the Maoists may have crossed over to Odisha.


However, Odisha government denied the report that the Maoists could have brought Menon to Malkangiri for shelter. On the other hand, there is no confirmation from the Maoists yet regarding the report.


Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh government has halted all anti-Maoist operations in Bastar region as per the Maosits' demand.


Menon was abducted by dreaded Maoists leader Venu, younger brother of Kishenji, when he was his way back to Sukma from a "gram sabha". The government is also seeking people who can negotiate with the rebels to secure Menon's release.


His wife Asha appealed to the Maoists to release him as he is an Asthma patient and sufficient medicines were not with him when he was abducted.

 

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