Bhubaneswar, February 24 
After nine days in captivity, Maoists today released Malkangiri Collector RV Krishna finally bringing to an end the tense hostage crisis in Orissa.

Chitrakonda Tehsildar D Gopalakrishna said Krishna was released by Maoists today evening and was on his way to his home in Malkangiri, about 90 km from where Krishna was freed. The 30-year-old IIT graduate-turned-IAS officer was released before a “people’s court” by his abductors in a forested area in Jantapai close to where he was abducted along with junior engineer Pabitra Majhi on February 16, eyewitnesses said. Majhi was freed yesterday.

TV footage showed Krishna in a check shirt and blue trousers sitting on a boulder with folded hands. He appeared to be in good health and listened as an unidentified man spoke about the problems faced by villagers. Malkangiri is about 650 km from the state capital. Krishna, who sported an occasional smile, was also seen eating.

Inspector in-charge of Chitrakonda Rajesh Chhatria said Krishna was released at Jantapai area. “It is a good end. It is a positive end,” said Swami Agnivesh, a Maoist sympathiser after the end of the hostage crisis which had a new twist yesterday when Maoists made fresh set of demands raising uncertainty whether the rebels will honour their commitment made on Tuesday to release the two abducted men within 48 hours. — PTI