Abducted Odisha MLA Hikaka might be released tomorrow

Bhubaneshwar, Apr 25 (ANI): Maoists holding BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka hostage for over a month have said they might release him on Thursday.

Television reports said that Maoists produced him before a 'peoples court' today, which decided to release the 37-year-old Laxmipur MLA.

According to the reports, Hikaka would be set free at around 10 a.m. tomorrow somewhere in Koraput District. he release comes even though the Odisha government has not met all Maoists demands.

The Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee of CPI (Maoists) had earlier said Hikaka would not be released unless 30 ultras, including Chenda Bhusanam alias Ghasid, are freed.

Hikaka was kidnapped near Toyaput after a large group of armed men stopped him as he was being driven through a hilly area some 500 kilometres away from Bhubaneswar on March 24. (ANI)