Koraput (Odisha), Mar 30: Alleged Maoist sympathiser Gananatha Patra, whose release was demanded by the kidnappers of an Italian national, was acquitted by a fast track court in a case involving abduction of eleven people in Koraput district in 2009.
Additional district judge of fast track court, S Prabhakar Rao acquitted Patra, who was accused of being involved in abduction of 11 people in Bandhugaon area in 2009, due to lack of evidence.
However, Patra who is currently lodged in Koraput jail, is facing charges of different nature in three other cases.
Patra, advisor of Maoist-backed Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha (CMAS), is among the ultras and their sympathisers whose release has been demanded by the abductors of Puri-based 54-year-old Italian tour operator Paolo Bosusco.
Bosusco's compatriot, Italian tourist Claudio Colangelo was released by Maoists on Sunday as a “goodwill gesture.”
Both had been abducted by the rebels while trekking in the forests of tribal-dominated Kandhamal district on March 14.
