Maoists release Bihar poll officials

Munger deputy inspector general of police Anil Kishore Yadav said all seven election officials were safe.

The poll officials were abducted by Maoists after the rebels triggered a landmine blast in which one official was killed and two injured in Jamui Sunday. Initially, police said the officials were missing after the blast, but later admitted they were abducted by Maoists.

Police officials said the Maoists had demanded the release of two of their men in exchange for the safe release of the poll officials.

The rebels have issued a poll boycott call and threatened to disrupt the 10-phased panchayat elections