SBI branch manager recounts abduction

Ampati's SBI branch manager Arvind Kumar ( in green T shirt) who was abducted by militants with SBI Garo hills division assistant general manager Nixon Joseph after he was rescued by the police on Monday
Ampati’s SBI branch manager Arvind Kumar ( in green T shirt) who was abducted by militants with SBI Garo hills division assistant general manager Nixon Joseph after he was rescued by the police on Monday

TURA, JUNE 18 : The abducted SBI Ampati branch manager Arvind Kumar reveals that he had asked his abductors to shoot him as they were torturing him may times but in the same breath said he had faith in God.

For two days since he was abducted by three unidentified militants, the bank officer was made to walk about 40-50 kilometers by the militants. He was rescued by the police team on Wednesday morning.

After his release Kumar told this correspondent that the militants made every effort to scare him and put him under pressure. He said, “They made every effort to scare and put me under pressure. They

asked me to call my parents but  I refused.”

Kumar informed that the next day the abductors themselves telephoned his parents and demanded a ransom of Rs. 50 lakhs for his release. He said, “I told my parents not to be worried. Since they were torturing me, I told them several times to shoot me. I had faith in God.”

Kumar informed he was taken on foot for several kilometers for two days from one village to another. He could only identify one village, which falls under Ampati town.

Kumar said,”I may have walked for more than 40-50 km in two days.” He added that one the first day he was taken from an unidentified village near Rangsakona to Mandagre village, near Ampati. He reveals that after walking for about 20 kilometers he was allowed to sit and relax for sometime as he was getting tired.

Kumar abductors offered him food which he said he refused but in the evening he agreed to eat rice and dal.

Relating his horror story  Kumar said today morning when the police teams were approaching toward them at Antekagre village he made an effort to stand up and show himself, but his abductors made him hide around the bushes in the jhum field.

As the police team approached nearer, Kumar informed that the abductors fired at the police and police retaliated. In the melee that lasted for barely 2 minutes, the abductors left him behind and managed to flee taking advantage of the hostile terrain.

Giving a firsthand account, Kumar said,  “When the firing began, I laid down on the ground. As they left, I stood up and told the police am the branch manager.”

After rescuing Kumar, police continued to fire for about 10-15 minutes. However, the three abductors managed to escape.

A relieved Kumar said, “I thank the police and all my colleagues as they have responded timely. They have given me another life. I will thank all of them again and again.”

Kumar informed that he will take rest for two days, and will apply for leave. He said, “I want to go back to Bihar and stay few days with my family. I am scared after this incident to work in Garo hills.”- From Our Correspondent

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