Ranchi, sep 2 : The Jharkhand Police on Wednesday rescued a State Government official, who was abducted by the Maoists in Palamau District.

According to police sources, a 20 member armed gang of the Jharkhand Liberation Tiger (JLT) had abducted Alok Kumar, a Circle Officer (CO) of Paki block in Palamau district, on Monday.

The incident tookplace in Kekargarh village of Palamau, about 190 km from the state capital Ranchi.

Kumar was rescued from the forest near Manatu block in the district on the early hours, sources added.

Kumar was visiting the villages to select the workers for the Anganwadi, when he was abducted.

The Maoists demanded a ransom of Rs 20 lakh for the release of Kumar.

"It was the police operation that forced the rebels to release Kumar," said a police officer involved in the rescue operation.

Jharkhand has turned into a major Maoist hub in the country. The red ultras have the dominance in 18 of the 24 districts of the state. (ANI)