The Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalitha has written to the prime minister asking him to take strong steps for the swift release of the abducted collector of Sukma district, Alex Paul Menon. She has mentioned that the officer hails from Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu and stated that his parents were worried.  She has mentioned these lines in the letter “It is very unfortunate that the officer was abducted while he was discharging his official duties. I am sure the Ministry of Home Affairs would have already taken steps to ensure the safe release of the abducted officer at the earliest.”

She mentions, “I would like to stress the fact that the local people, including the family members of the abducted officer, are greatly exercised over the incident, especially since the officer is not keeping well, and they are fervently looking forward to the good news of the early release of the abducted officer. I, therefore, strongly urge that immediate steps be taken by the Government of India towards securing the early and safe release of the abducted officer and thereby bring relief to his family members.”

The prime minister’s office is yet to make any statement over the letter. Irrespective of the region he hails from, the Centre is likely to all equal steps since he is an IAS officer. (Phani)