In Odisha, the chances of an early solution to the hostage crisis seems to be receding with the state government finding it extremely difficult to release a few hardcore Maoists from jail as demanded by the Maoist groups in lieu of BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka and Itailan national Paolo Boususco. Opinion of police officers and lawyers is being sought by the Odisha Government before a final decision is taken on the issue.

The Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee of CPI (Maoists), which abducted BJD MLA, has demanded release of 30 prisoners including hardcore Maoist, Chenda Bhusanam alias Ghasi, an accused in the killing of at least 55 security personnel. Besides six major incidents of Maoist violence including murder, Ghasi has also been accused in 35 other cases in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

The Andhra Pradesh Government had announced 10 lakh rupees reward for the arrest of Ghasi. He was involved in Alampaka attack in Balimela reservoir in which 38 policemen were killed. Ghasi is also one of the main accused in the killing of 17 police personnel in a landmine blast in Kalimela area in Malkangiri district of Odisha.

Meanwhile, the deadline given by Maoists for release of BJD MLA and Italian national, is coming to an end tomorrow. However, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his senior officials are hopeful of a solution to the abduction crisis. Opposition Congress and BJP have strongly criticised the state government for failing to resolve the hostage crisis.