RAIPUR: Maoists on Wednesday released a picture of Co-BRA commando Rakeshwar Singh Manhas, as proof that they have him, but his colleagues and police pointed out that the picture looks ‘old’ and Manhas doesn’t seem injured.
The photo, sent by Maoists to a local reporters in Bijapur, shows Manhas sitting in a makeshift shelter. On Tuesday, CPI(Maoists) spokesman Vikalp had released a press statement, claiming Manhas, a native of Jammu, was “captured” during the April 3 encounter.
Bastar Range IG P Sundarraj said police were verifying the authenticity of the Maoists’ statement. “ The best possible efforts are being made to secure his safe return,” he said.
Manhas is missing since the ambush in Tekulguda village in which 22 security personnel from CoBRA, CRPF, DRG and STF were killed, and 33 injured.
Activists including Soni Sori and reporters set off for the jungles on Wednesday to try to free the jawan.