Three abducted cyclists released by the Naxals in Chhattisgarh

Raipur: Three abducted youths from Pune, on a bicycle rally to spread the message of peace, were reportedly released by the Naxals on Sunday.

The significant development came hours after they were abducted from the insurgency-hit Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh by the Naxals. Sources said, there release were secured through back channel talks between the local villagers and the Naxal Commander Papa Rao.

They were released after Rao was convinced that they are students from Maharashtra and are not associated with police or aren't informers.

Early in the morning, the trio were abducted from Bijapur district, which is close to the bordering areas of Maharashtra.

"Kutru is said to be the last place where they were seen by locals a few days back," Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, SRP Kalluri, told PTI.

As per preliminary information, the youths were identified as Aadrash Patil, Vilas Valake and Shrikirhna Shevale, he said.

The youths had launched a cycle rally under their "Bharat Jodo" (Link India) campaign to propagate the message of peace in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha – the worst affected states by Naxalism over the past three decades, he said.

They had started their journey from Pune on December 20, and passing through several places of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, they were going to conclude it at Balamela in Odisha on January 10, he said.