All the 11 persons, allegedly abducted by Maoists three days ago, today returned unhurt to their villages in Odisha's Malkangiri district even as DGP Sanjeev Marik dubbed them as "militia" and "sympathisers" of the outlawed rebel outfit.
"All the 11 persons allegedly kidnapped by the Maoists have returned to their villages by today evening. All of them are in good health," Inspector General of Police (South-West) range Y K Jethwa said.
While the Maoists had released two persons last night and three others this morning, the remaining six persons were released after being produced at a "Praja Court" held at Luller village under Mathili block area bodering Chhattishgarh, locals said.
However, the police refused to give any information regarding the conduct of Praja Court by the rebel outfit.
Interestingly all the 11 released persons have fled their houses fearing interrogation by police after DGP Marik dubbed them as members of the Maoist's militia group or sympathisers.
The 11 persons from Mathili block including former block chairman Trinath Bhumia were allegedly kidnapped by the Maoists on April 13 night.
However, DGP Marik did not accept it as a case of kidnapping. "Many of them (of the 11 persons) are members of the militia group or sympathisers. They had gone on their own," the DGP claimed.
IG Jethwa said the police would talk to the 11 persons and ascertain their possible links with the Maoists. "If any Maoist connection is found, the villagers will be persuaded to surrender and proper rehabilitation measures will be taken," he said.
Stating that the police are keeping a close watch on the movement of the Maoists in Mathili area, the DGP said, "Police operations are planned to nab the ultras operating in the areas in Malkangiri district."
Sources said the security personnel have already launched operation in the area to locate the Maoists' camp bordering Chhattisgarh.
