Patna, Sep 6: As the Bihar hostage crisis enters the ninth day, there seems not be no signs of the Maoists setting the abducted policemen free even as security forces continued the search operations.

On Saturday, Sep 4 local reports emerged that the three policemen taken hostage by the rebels can be expected to be set free soon.

These reports came after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held an all-party meet and invited the Maoists for talks.

“We will allow them safe passage if Maoists come for talks," the chief minister said after the meeting.

As the expectations of the hostage release rose high on Sunday, Sep 4, one television channel said the rebels had extended the time of release till 4:00 pm.

There were even reports in the local media that the captive cops were freed. However, Nitish Kumar later clarified to the media that he did not have any information about their release.

Maoists abducted Abhay Yadav, Rupesh Kumar Sinha, Mohammad Ehsan Khan and Lucas Tete last Sunday, Aug 29 after engaging in exchange of fire with the security forces in Lakhisarai district.

After giving several deadlines for their demand seeking release of eight jailed rebels, the Maoists killed Tete on Sep 2.

However, the situation took a serious turn for the Moists on Saturday, Sep 4 when two of their comrades were arrested. On this development they agreed to release the captives but rejected the government's offer for talks.

OneIndia News