Maoists released one Italian hostage

One of the two Italians taken hostage by the Maoists, tourist Claudio Colangelo, was released safe and unharmed by the ultras on Sunday and handed over to mediapersons in Kandhamal district from where he was abducted on 14th March. "We have information that Colangelo was handed over to mediapersons by the Maoists in Tanjingia area near Daringbadi. They are now proceeding toward Daringbadi," Kandhamal Superintendent of Police J N Pankaj said on Sunday. Home Secretary U N Behera said 61-year-old Colangelo called him up and spoke to him soon after being released by the Naxals. "Colangelo told me that he was set free and that he was in good health and unharmed," Behera said. The other Italian, Puri-based tour operator Paolo Basusco, 54, was still being held captive by the Maoists, the home secretary said.