Odisha hostage crisis: Suspense over release of Italian Bosusco Paolo

NEW DELHI: Amid suspense over the release of Italian hostage Bosusco Paolo there are reports that Maoists have set a new condition for his released.

According to NDTV, the Maoists have sought the relase of another Maoist Aarti Manjhi before releasing the Italian held hostage by them.

Aarti Manjhi's bail plea is likely to come up for hearing in court later today.

Earlier there were reports suggesting that the Italian, who has been in the captivity since March 14, might have been released on Wednesday night.

According to Times Now, the Maoists released the Italian in Mohona village of Odisha.

However, there is no official confirmation of his release.

On Thursday, Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda had welcomed some steps taken by the Odisha government and had hinted at release of the Italian hostage.

The fate of Biju Janata Dal legislator Jhina Hikaka who has been in the captivity of another group of rebels since March 24 also remains uncertain as the rebels refused to release him unless their demands were met.

The Odisha government announced it would facilitate the release of 23 prisoners, including eight Maoists, to secure the release of Hikaka and five other prisoners in exchange for the release of the Italian.