Kolkata, October 22: More than two days after being abducted by Maoists, police officer Atindranath Dutta was today set free by Maoists who said it was a reciprocating gesture as 15 arrested women cadre were released on bail as per their demand.
Maoist leader Kishenji told over phone that Dutta, officer-in-charge of Sankrail police station in West Midnapore district, was released unharmed after 15 women, arrested by the joint forces, were released on bail by a Jhargram court today.
“As per our commitment to the Dutta family and the government, we have released Atindranth Dutta unharmed,” he said.
IG (Western Range) Kuldeep Singh said Dutta was released.
Asked if there was any mediator, Kishenji said, “There was no mediator in the negotiation. We appealed to the government through media and the family of the kidnapped, but the government didn’t say anything in return.
“As the women were released as per our demand, we also kept our word and released Dutta,” Kishenji said.
—Agencies