BHUBANESWAR: The two Italian nationals, who were abducted by the Maoists 11 days ago, were reportedly released late on Saturday. But there was no confirmation to this effect till reports last came in. Local media sources said Paolo Bosusco and Claudio Colangelo were reportedly dropped at Tajungia Square, between Bamunigaon and Daringibadi, and the duo was proceeding on foot towards Daringibadi.
Kandhamal SP Jayanarayan Pankaj said he too was aware of the reports, but declined to confirm since no one has seen the two yet. The place where the two are reported to have been dropped is 20 km from Daringibadi and had they been on the move, the Italians could have reached the town by midnight, which had not happened yet, police sources added. Another source said the two were dropped in a church in custody of the local pastor, but there was no confirmation. Paolo and Claudio were kidnapped by the rebels on March 14 near Daringibadi. Peace talks were suspended on Saturday after Laxmipur MLA Jhina Hikaka was abducted by the rebels in Koraput district last night.