The abducted Italian national Bosusco Paolo was released by Maoist Party of Odisha unit today. Sabyasachi Panda, the secretary of the unit, who had negotiations with the government through mediators, has handed over  Bosusco Paolo to one of the mediators—Dandapani Mohanty. Notably, Bosusco was in the custody of Maoists for 29 days.  When Paolo was released, one of the journalists from a vernacular media from Odisha was present.  According to the sources, Mohanty would be handing over Bosusco Paolo to government officials by the end of the day.

It may be recalled that Paolo and an Italian tourist,  Claudio Colangelo were allegedly kidnapped by Maoists in Khandamal district of Odisha on March 14.  While Colangelo was released after a few days as a goodwill gesture, Claudio was held captive for until the Odisha Government nodded for their demands. 

It was then that Odisha Government appointed two mediators—B D Sharma and Mohanty.  The government after holding negotiations through these mediators had finally came down and accepted over 12 demands of Maoists.  Sabyasachi Panda on Wednesday welcomed the government’s decision and said that Bosusco Paolo would be released anytime on Thursday. As said, Paolo was released today.  (Phani)