DHAKA: Indian Maoist rebels took 250 villagers hostage in restive Chhattisgarh just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the central state on Saturday.

Officials said, reports The Straits Times.

Guerillas abducted the villagers late Friday in Sukma district, 80 kilometers away from where the right-wing Modi later addressed a public rally, said the state’s chief minister.

‘250 villagers have been abducted by the Maoists. We are trying our best to secure their release,’ Raman Singh said without giving further details.

Lawmaker Kawashi Lakma told the media that the rebels grabbed locals from Morenga village and took them through deep forests to a nearby hill.

BDST: 1904 HRS, MAY 09, 2015
RR