BHUBANESWAR, India — Maoist rebels on Thursday freed an Italian tour guide they had held captive for 29 days after Indian authorities released several rebel prisoners.
However, a local lawmaker who was kidnapped on March 24 is still being held by the Maoists.
Rebels in the eastern state of Odisha on Thursday released Paolo Bosusco into the custody of a mediator who later delivered the Italian tour guide to state officials.
Mr. Bosusco, 51, was kidnapped on March 14 with Italian tourist Claudio Colangelo, whom the rebels freed on March 25 as a goodwill gesture.
“I will have to return to Italy now. I do not know if I will come back here again,” Mr. Bosusco told reporters after his release. He said his captors had treated him well although he did lose 22 pounds during captivity.
Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, who was in touch with the Italian government, congratulated state officials for securing Mr. Bosusco’s release.
One of India’s most wanted Maoist leaders, Sayasachi Panda, turned over the Italian national to a mediator in exchange for the release of five jailed rebels, including Mr. Panda’s wife, Subhashree.
On Tuesday, a court in the Rayagada district of Odisha acquitted Subhashree Panda of charges stemming from a 2003 shootout, citing a lack of evidence. She was released Tuesday.
The Maoist rebels are still holding Jhina Hikaka, a lawmaker in the ruling Biju Janata Dal party who was taken hostage March 24.
Maoist observers in Odisha said Mr. Hikaka’s kidnapping was the result of a power struggle within the rebel ranks.
The lawmaker was kidnapped by a faction that opposes the group led by Mr. Panda.
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