Bhubaneswar: Within hours of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announcing the names of six Maoists to be released by his government, the rebels who have abducted Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Jhina Hikaka, released an audiotape yesterday demanding the release of five more Naxals from jail.

They also set a fresh deadline of April 10. The Maoists have now demanded the release of their top leader Chenda Bhushanam alias Ghasi, who carries a reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head.