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Dalbhumgarh (Jharkhand), Feb 14 (ANI): In a broad daylight incident armed Maoists abducted a Block Development Officer (BDO) from Dalbhumgarh village in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum District.

BDO Prashant Kumar Leyak was kidnapped as soon as he completed a Grama Sabha in Delbhumgarh on Saturday, as hundreds of people simply became witness to the act.

According to eyewitnesses, Maoists came in around seven bikes and abducted Leyak at gunpoint.

Jharkhand Police suspects that Maoists might have taken Leyak inside the forest along the West Bengal border.

Maoists who telephoned some journalists late on Saturday night and put two demands before the Jharkhand Government for the safe release of Leyak.

Maoists are demanding for the release of 15 villagers who were arrested in the East Singhbhum District on the charges of supporting the Maoists.

They also demanded for the immediate bail out of two surrendered Maoist cadres.

The Maoits also put three days ultimatum to fulfill their demand.

Meanwhile, state Chief Minister Shibu Soren said he is optimistic about the safe return of Leyak.

“Efforts are on for the safe return of the BDO,” Soren said.

However, Soren denied receiving any conditions for the release of Leyak from Maoits.

Inspector General of Police V D Deshmukh said raids had been continuing by the security forces to locate Layek.

This is the second incident in last five months in Jharkhand.

In September 2009, the Maoists had kidnapped and beheaded Special Branch Officer, Francis Induwar in Ranchi district. (ANI)