In Odisha, Italian hostage Paolo Bosusco has been released today by Maoists. Bosusco, was handed over by the Maoists to their mediator Dandapani Mohanty and some journalists in a forest area of Raikia in tribal-dominated Kandhamal district. The Italian national was brought to to Odisha capital Bhubaneswar in the company of mediapersons and Mohanty who, along with B D Sharma, negotiated with three Odisha government representatives for his release. The Italian Ambassador and Consulate Genral of Italy also met Bosusco after being released. Paolo, a Puri-based Italian tour operator remained in the captivity of the ultras for 29 days after he was abducted along with his countryman Claudio Colangelo by the Maoists on 14th of last month while trekking in the forest of Daringbadi area in Kandhamal district.
Bosusco's release came two days after top Maoist leader of Odisha State Organising Committee (OSOC) Sabyasachi Panda's wife Subhashree Panda alias Mili Panda was released from jail following her acquittal by a Gunupur court in an encounter case of 2004. Subhashree was one of the seven persons whose release the Maoists had demanded as one of the conditions to set free Paolo. The state government had also agreed to release five persons, including Subhashree, in order to secure the freedom of Bosusco unharmed and in good health. The Italian's release came five days after the state government representatives, led by Home secretary UN Behera and the two Maoist-named mediators, signed a joint statement on 7th of this month on fulfilment of the 13-point charter of demands placed by the abductors.
Colangelo was released by the Maoists on March 25 as a “goodwill gesture”, while Bosusco was not freed by the ultras who wanted their demands to be fulfilled by the Odisha government. AIR correspondent reprts that, After being freed from the clutches of Maoists, Italian national Paolo Bosusco today told media persons at Bhubaneswar that it was time to bid farewell to India. He also thanking the people of Odisha for all the love and friendship they have given to him during his association with them for 22 years.
Bosusco said in English and in Odiya, in which he is fluent. Bosusco also said he was not sure if he would return from Italy and but the love he got in Odisha would always remain in his heart. The 54-year-old Italian, who has been operating as a tourist guide from the seaside town of Puri all these years, also said he loves Odisha very much. He said he is a free man now and needs some rest as he is too tired. Bosusco denied allegations that he along with compatriot Claudio Colangelo had taken objectionable photographs of tribals before being kidnapped. He said his health is fine and the Maoists treated him well during captivity. Bosusco also said it was a unique experience. He said he is not a political person and do not know what is right and what is wrong and everybody should leave violence. He hoped his sacrifice will not go in vain.
Meanwhile, another hostage BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka was yet to be released by the Andra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee of CPI (Maoists). The Committee has been demanding release of 30 prisoners including dreaded Maoist leader Ghasi.
