Missing Radhika reveals whereabouts, says joined Maoists

VISAKHAPATNAM: The mystery over the whereabouts of Radhika, who was reported missing by her parents, ended on Wednesday after she released a letter to the media stating that she had joined the Maoists.

"I have not disappeared, in fact, have joined the Maoists," said the letter purportedly written by Radhika. She also claimed that the NIA, which has recently conducted search operations, was constantly harassing representatives of people's and women's groups.

Radhika also clarified that she was a medical lab technician and not a nursing student. "I first joined Chaitanya Mahila Sangham for women's rights but later joined Maoists as I'm drawn towards their ideology," said Radhika. She further claimed that she joined the Maoists when she was a major (20) and hence she should not be questioned about her choices.

The police and NIA began searching for Radhika after her parents filed a missing complaint at Pedabayalu police station. "My parents were severely harassed by the police and NIA and that is the reason why I chose to give my clarification through a written letter to the media," said Radhika.