BSF helicopter pressed into service as Bihar police intensifies search

From samachartoday.com

Bihar police intensifies search for securitymen held hostage by Maoists
Bihar police has further intensified search operation for four security personnelheld hostage by Maoists in Lakhisarai district. A BSF helicopter has also been pressed into service. Maoists have extended the deadline till 10 AM today for the release of some of their jailed cadres in exchange of captive police personnel.

Bihar DGP Neel Mani told AIR that all efforts are being made to secure the release of the police personnel taken hostage by Maoists after an encounter with them on Sunday.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar himself is supervising the rescue operation. Mr. Kumar assured the family members of the kidnapped policemen that they will be released safely.

AIR Patna correspondent K.K. Lal reports that security men who are under custody of Maoists have been identified as Sub Inspector Rupesh kumar Sinha, Officer in charge Abhay Yadav, Jamadar Lukus Tete and Havaldar Ehatsaam Khan.

Naxals have offered release of 4 security men under their custody in exchange for release of eight of their comrades who are in the different jails of the state.

Meanwhile the state government transferred Lakhisarai Suprintendent of Police Ashok Kumar Singh and posted Ranjit Mishra as new SP.