Maoists extend deadline for release of BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka

Bhubaneswar, Apr 15 (ANI): The Maoists, who have abducted Biju Janata Dal (BJD) legislator Jhina Hikaka, have extended the deadline for his release till Wednesday.

Nihar Ranjan Patnaik, a Koraput based lawyer, who fights cases for Maoists, on Sunday informed that Maoists' Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) set a new deadline of 5 pm of April 18 for release of 29 prisoners.

The Maoists had earlier demanded the release of 30 prisoners to free Hikaka, including the name of Chenda Bhusanam alias Ghasi, accused of killing more than 55 police personnel. (ANI)