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The Maoists have abducted the District Collector of newly formed Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. Alex Paul Menon was on his way back to Sukma from a panchayat programme when 15-20 Maoists abducted him. Two of his security guards have reportedly been killed in the incident that happened near Keralapal. Sources have informed that so far the Maoists have made no demands. Chattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Saturday said he will take all possible steps to secure the release of abducted District Collector from the Maoists. “We will take the best possible steps to secure his release. Efforts are on at the local level to collect more information,” Singh told reporters here. Meanwhile, Chattisgarh Home Minsiter Nankiram Kanwar informed that Menon was on a motorcycle to attend a panchayat programme when he was attacked by nearly 20 Naxalites. “He was riding a motorcycle when around 20 Naxalites fired at his convoy. In retaliation the collector’s gunmen fired upon them, and got killed in the process,” said Kanwar. Menon, who was the first district collector of the newly carved Sukma district in the State, was reportedly returning from a panchayat programme in Keralapal area of Chattisgarh, when around 15-20 Maoists attacked his convoy killing two of his bodyguards on the spot.

Naxals abduct District Collector in Chhattisgarh