Maoists release all 13 abducted People in Odisha

In a major relief to the government and police forces, the Maoists have released all 13 people “abducted” from Karatanpali village under Mathili block in Malkangiri district. It was not an abduction. Rather, some of the 13 people were summoned by the Maoists to appear before the Praja Court, while others just escorted them.

The Maoists did not harm any people, but found the Sarapanch of Kartanpali, guilty of inciting people to help the BSF and beat him up in public. He was spared after tendering an apology and assuring the naxals that he won’t repeat such “mistakes” again.

The Praja Court was held at Tulasi Hills near Luller village from 7 AM in the morning till 6 PM in the evening yesterday. Maoist Commander of Darabha Divisional Committee, Vinod Kashyap led the court. Around 100 Maoists guarded the place.

Trinath Bhumia, former Block Chairman of Mathili was pronounced not guilty earlier. Later, at least 9 villagers of Kartanpali and Luller confessed to giving information to BSF and police. They promised not to do it again and let off with little punishment and warning. Sarapanch Gopi Nayak, who reportedly persuaded them to help the police, was beaten up at the meeting.

Earlier, DGP Sanjeev Mariik had claimed that the abducted people were Maoist sympathisers and they were called by the red rebels to attend the meeting. Inspector General of Police (South-West Range) Yashwant Jethwa said that the police will probe any possible links between the Maoists and these villagers.