For Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commando Rakeshwar Manhas patience was the key to his survival as he spent five days in a Chhattisgarh jungle after being taken captive by Naxals following an ambush that killed 22 members of his team. I did not lose hope in the most difficult situation and I maintained my cool, said the 35-year-old who returned to his home in Jammu on Friday.
Manhas had gone missing during a deadly encounter with Naxals in Chhattisgarhâs Bijapur district on April 3. The gunfight left 22 security forces personnel dead and several others injured.
He was released from captivity by the Naxals on April 8. Manhas was accorded a rousing reception by his family and villagers after he reached his native Barnie village on the outskirts of the city.