Sukma collector may be released in 48 hours

The Maoists, who have abducted Sukma collector Alex Paul Menon, on Monday sought release of eight of their jailed associates by May 2 in exchange for freeing the IAS officer. In a message sent to the local media, the Maoists said they would release Menon if the government sends eight of the jailed workers along with mediators B D Sharma and Prof Hargopal on May 2 to the Tadmetla village. If the demand was not met, Menon's fate would be decided by a 'Jan Adalat', they said.