Even as the kidnappers set a deadline of 48 hours to the government to fulfill their demands in exchange for the release of the kidnapped Telugu IAS officer and Malkangiri district collector Mr Vineel Krishna, Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik sought extension of deadline to fulfill their demands and requested the Maoists not to harm the kidnapped.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the kidnapper-Maoists are from AP as they have demanded the release of 4 Andhra Maoists arrested and jailed by the Orissa police in the past. They have also asked for the mediation of Hyderabad-based civil rights activists. This information makes it clear that the kidnappers are from AP, police sources said in Hyderabad.

The kidnapped Orissa cadre IAs officer hails from Vijayawada and his family has been staying in Hyderabad for a long time.

Professor Hara Gopal and R.S. Rao, who have left for Orissa today to mediate between Orissa government and the Maoists, are also seeking extension of the deadline set by the kidnappers. The government is also willing to accept some of the demands put forth by the Maoists, Hara Gopal told media persons before their departure for Bhuvaneshwar.

On hearing that the kidnapped Collector is from Vijayawada, chief minister Kirankumar reddy and former chief minister Chandrababu Naidu telephoned Naveen Patnaik and requested him to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the officer.