TURA, MAR 26: A bus driver and two of his associates, abducted by suspected militants 12 days ago were released unharmed on Friday afternoon near Garobadha in South West Garo hills, police informed on Saturday.
A group of militants stopped the bus, which was on its way to Purakhasia from Tura and abducted the bus driver Nikhil Talukdar, conductor Gurmit Koch and handyman Hojoi Koch from Boldamgre village near Purakhasia, along the India – Bangladesh border.
Initially, the abductors had demanded a ransom of Rs 50 lakhs for the trio’s release. However, on Wednesday, the Garo Hills Motor Workers Union (GHMWU) had served a deadline of three days for the trio’s unconditional release with a threat to halt public transport services in Garo hills.
The union had also staged a condemnation rally at Tura and submitted a memorandum to deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills Pravin Bakshi seeking government support for rescuing the trio. The ultimatum ended yesterday itself.
A relative of driver Talukdar denied ransom being paid to the abductors.
“They were released yesterday afternoon and have reached home. The kidnappers have been identified and we are on the lookout for the group. Hopefully there will be breakthrough in the case soon,” said Ramesh Singh, SP South West Garo hills.
Police suspects that ASAK was behind the abduction.- From Our Correspondent
+ There are no comments
Add yours