The breakthrough to ensure the safe return of the 32-year-old IAS officer, who was abducted on April 21, came in the form of an agreement between the mediators of the Chattisgarh government and the Maoists at their fourth round of talks yesterday.
Under this, Government has agreed to set up a high- powered committee headed by Nirmala Buch, one of the two Government mediators, to review the cases of all prisoners languishing in Chattisgarh jails including the cases demanded by the Maoists.
The Maoists had earlier demanded release of eight of their jailed leaders and an immediate halt to operations by security forces against them for the release of Menon.
N Baijendra Kumar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Raman Singh, told PTI today that the agreement has paved way for Menon's release and he is expected to be set free tomorrow.
He said Maoists representatives -- Dr B D Sharma and Prof. G Hargopal -- met the Chief Minister this morning during which they were complimented for helping find a solution to end the hostage crisis.
Sharma later said the naxals have been apprised about the agreement, under which the mediators nominated by Maoists have agreed as a "gesture of goodwill" to ensure the safe return of Menon within 48 hours.
However, Sharma said neither he has heard anything yet from the Maoists' side nor have the mediators' been asked to reach the forests to pick up Menon.
Meanwhile, a worried Asha, who has been eagerly awaiting for the release of her kidnapped husband expressed happiness over the agreement and hoped that Menon will return soon to his family.
Menon was taken captive from Majhipara village in Sukma district when he was holding a meeting as part of the government's special Gram Suraj Abhiyan. PTI SNG DK VMN
