Raipur: The PWG (Peoples War Group) today (Oct 3, 2004) released the abducted SHO of Kuakonda, Prakash Soni, in the Durnapal jungle area of the Dantewada district of Chattisgarh.

The SHO was released by the Naxalites early this morning in the dense forest area of Durnapal, top official sources said.

Currently, Soni is being "debriefed" by senior officials of the Dantewada police, they said.

When contacted Inspector General of Police, Bastar range, Girdhari Nayak confirmed that the police officer had been released by the PWG.

"About an hour ago Soni reached the office of sub-divisional police officer, Durnapal, S Kujur and is now with him," Nayak said.

Soni was kidnapped on September 17 when he was travelling to Bhejji from Kuakonda in Dantewada district.

The PWG had initially put forth nine demands for his release but subsequently reduced that to five. The Government on Thursday (Sep 30, 2004) announced to fulfil some of the demands and appealed for his safe release.