MAOISTS RELEASE IMAGE OF COBRA COMMANDO IN THEIR CUSTODY

RAIPUR/JAMMU: A photograph of a commando from the CRPF’s elite CoBRA unit — missing after a deadly April 2 ambush by Maoist ultras in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma-Bijapur region — was released on Wednesday by Maoists, who have demanded that a mediator be appointed by the government to negotiate his release.

This photograph, which was circulating on social media, surfaced on a day the soldier’s family protested in Jammu, demanding that the government facilitate his swift return.

The photograph showed Rakeshwar Singh Manhas, 35, a commando with the 210th CoBRA battalion, sitting alone in what appeared to be a hut. According to local journalists in the region, the photo was sent on WhatsApp. “At 11.27am, a photograph of the missing jawan was sent on a WhatsApp number by Maoist leader Vikalp,” said Sukma-based journalist Raja Rathore.

When asked about Manhas’s photograph, IG (Bastar range), Sundarraj P, said the situation was being closely monitored.“All best possible efforts are being made to secure the safe return of the jawan,” he said.