Will take all possible steps to secure release of collector: Chattisgarh CM

Raipur, Apr 21 (ANI): Chattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Saturday said he will take all possible steps to secure the release of abducted Sukma District Collector Alex Paul Menon from the Maoists.

"After the kidnapping, we are speaking to top police officials, and we will take the best possible steps to secure his release. Efforts are on at the local level to collect more information," Singh told reporters here.

Meanwhile, Chattisgarh Home Minsiter Nankiram Kanwar informed that Menon took a motorcycle to attend a panchayat programme when he was attacked by nearly 20 naxalites.

"He was riding a motorcycle when around 20 naxalites fired at his convoy. In retaliation the collector's gunmen fired upon them, and got killed in the process," said Kanwar.

Menon, who was the first district collector of the newly carved Sukma district in the state, was reportedly returning from a panchayat programme in Keralapal area of Chattisgarh, when around 15-20 Maoists attacked his convoy killing two of his bodyguards on the spot. (ANI)