With the deadline set by the Maoists holding BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka hostage ending on Wednesday, his fate still remained unknown despite the Orissa government's decision to seriously consider withdrawal of prosecution in "suitable cases" involving jailed rebels if the ultras free the legislator. There has been no response so far from the CPI (Maoist)'s Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee, which abducted the 37-year-old tribal MLA from Laxmipur on March 24, after the state government announced its decision on Tuesday evening.
