Maoists to release Menon Thursday

Raipur, May 2 (IANS) Maoist guerillas Wednesday said they would release kidnapped Sukma district collector Alex Paul Menon Thursday.

In a message to some media organisations, the rebels said Menon, in their captivity since April 21, would be handed over to mediators G. Hargopal and B.D. Sharma in the presence of a gathering at Tarmetla.

The Chhattisgarh government may even take the mediators to Tarmetla in a chopper to receive Menon, said a source in the state govermment.

Tarmetla in Sukma is where the Maoists had killed 76 paramilitary personnel in April 2010.

Meanwhile, Menon's wife Asha, who has been unwell since the kidnapping of her husband, told a news channel: "I'm eagerly waiting for the moment to reunite with Sir (Menon)".