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In a new twist to the five-day kidnap drama involving the kin of Union Minister of State for Home Vidyasagar Rao, the Janasakthi group of Naxals set fresh demands for the release of Marthanda Rao.
While it was widely expected that Rao would be set free on Monday evening, journalists at Vemulawada, 40 km from Karimnagar, received a handwritten statement from Ranadhir, the brain behind the abduction, setting new demands.
The demands include the release of two Naxals who are under trail. They are Manganna and Yadanna. Other demands include putting an end to 'fake encounters', release of all political prisoners, an immediate solution to ongoing State Transport Corporation strike and dropping of the Prevention Of Terrorist Ordinance.
Ranadhir threatened dire consequences if the police presence in Janasakthi stronghold of Siricilla division was not withdrawn immediately, a report from Karimnagar said.
Ten armed Naxalites, posing as security forces, had kidnapped Rao, 54, and his son from their native village in Karimnagar district.
The son was later released with a note specifying instructions for the safe release of Rao.
Marthanda Rao's family was expecting him to return on Monday. They claimed that all negotiations for his release had been completed.
PTI
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