The Maoists holding ruling BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka hostage on Sunday extended the deadline for fulfilment of their demands till April 18.

In a message, a leader of Maoists' Andhra Odisha Border Special

Rome on Thursday welcomed the release of an Italian hostage in India, hailing Indian authorities and its own diplomats for the freeing of the tour guide seized while trekking nearly a month ago.

"It

As the Tuesday evening deadline set by Maoists for fulfilment of their demands neared, uncertainty continued over the fate of the Italian and the Odisha legislator being held captive by the rebels sin

A fast track court in Odisha on Tuesday acquitted a top Maoist leader's wife in a 2003 shootout case for lack of evidence, sources said. Her release was sought by the rebels in exchange for an Italian

Subhashree Das, wife of Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, was released on Tuesday from a jail in Orissa after a court acquitted her in a 2003 shootout case for lack of evidence.

Faced with the hostage situation in Odisha, the Centre is planning to seek cooperation from all states in preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to deal with any crisis arising out of kidnappi

The release of Italian hostage Paolo Bosusco, abducted over three weeks ago, on Sunday ran into rough weather with the Maoists asking Odisha government to first 'clarify' how many ultras would be set

The Orissa government on Saturday said it has agreed to free five of the six Maoists the abductors of the Italian have demanded for his release.

Barring any last minute hitch, Italian hostage Paolo Basusco may be freed soon from his three-week captivity by Maoists who reached an agreement with the Odisha government late on Saturday.

Another

The Centre is keenly observing the hostage situation in Odisha and is believed to be against any swap of prisoners with an abducted MLA and an Italian tour guide.

The Home Ministry is not involved i