Sukma collector may be freed

NEW DELHI: Hopes for the release of abducted Sukma collector Alex Paul Menon brightened on Monday after interlocutors appointed by the Chhattisgarh government and those named by the Maoists agreed on setting up a committee to review all cases, including those of Maoists, against whom a probe or prosecution is pending. The committee will become operational within an hour of Menon’s release. Without conceding much, the state government extracted a promise from B D Sharma and G Hargopal, mediating on the Maoists’ behalf, that they would ensure Menon’s safe return within 48 hours, that is, on or before May 2. Sharma and Hargopal appealed to the Maoists to “consider the proposal favourably” and ensure Menon’s release after signing the agreement. (Agencies)