No trace of TDP leaders abducted by Maoists

Visakhapatnam: The fate of three local leaders of ruling TDP, who were abducted by Maoists, remained unknown for the fourth day today.

Mamidi Balayya Padal, Vandalam Balayya and Mukkala Mahesh were kidnapped by rebels from GK Veedhi area of the district on Monday. It is suspected that the Naxals seized the leaders to protest mining of bauxite in the area.

Police sources today said the Maoists may have moved the trio towards Andhra Odisha Border (AOB) areas to keep them off the combing operations of security forces.

A nine-member team, comprising ST Employees Association representatives and local media personnel, ventured deep into the forest of the district to locate them, but came back empty -handed.

The family members and relatives of the three leaders today took out rallies in Chintapalle and GK Veedhi, demanding their release. They also asked the TDP-led government to take immediate steps for safe release of the politicians.

Speaking to newspersons, President of ST Employees Association B Pothuraju said they ventured into the forest area, around 35k from Chintapalle, twice in the last two days but found not trace of the TDP leaders.

Superintendent of Police (Visakhapatnam Rural) Koya Praveen said to ensure safety of the ruling party leaders, security forces have stopped combing operations.

"We are hopeful that efforts of the members of ST Association, who are seeking release of the TDP leaders, will bear fruit," he added.