Chhattisgarh: Canadian national detained by Maoists released
John had arrived in India on February 14 and had been cycling in Goa, north Karnataka, Telangana after which he entered Bastar in Chattisgarh.
A Canadian national, who had been detained by left wing extremists in the Chintagufa area of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh was released on Wednesday evening. The Canadian national, identified as John had been on a cycling expedition when he was detained.
IG Bastar, Sunderaj P told India Today that John, 25 has been located and he is on his way to the district headquarters of Sukma.
Sources said the police had found the location of the Canadian tourist and sent emissaries to meet the local Maoist cadres who had detained him. After discussions, the Maoists decided to release John.
John had arrived in India on February 14 and had been cycling in Goa, north Karnataka, Telangana after which he entered Bastar in Chhattisgarh. On Monday afternoon, John went missing after which it came to the fore that he had been kidnapped by Maoist cadres.
The police are likely to have a debriefing session once John returns to Sukma. This would provide details of how he was detained and where was he kept all this while.
The detention of the Canadian tourist by Maoists had led to an intervention by Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj who asked the Chhattisgarh and Odisha governments to ensure the release of the tourist as soon as possible.