Kidnapping spree continues in Garo hills
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Shillong, July 07 2014:
Kidnapping spree in Garo Hills has now become the norm rather than an exception with yet another trader kidnapped from the Dalu region on Saturday, according to a delayed report.
The trader Adil Karim (name changed) was kidnapped while he was returning from the market after collecting cashew bags for his employee and was taken at gun point by his captors.
Police sources have confirmed the abduction from Pushinagre, about 75 kms from the district headquarters of Tura.
Karim, who hails from Mankachar in the Dhubri district of Assam, was abducted late afternoon by unidentified militants from the area which falls under the Dalu Police Station and is close to the border town of Purakhasia.
"We have not received any FIR from the family and there was no mention of the abduction.
It was only through our sources that we came to know of the abduction and have launched combing operations, subsequently," said a highly placed police source.
He further urged the families of people who have been kidnapped to shed their fear and report such incidents to the police.
"We have been working on rescue operations for those who have filed FIRs and it helps if there is one.
We would like to urge the people to come forward and help the police in trying to stop this menace," he added.
When questioned on the rise of the number of kidnappings, the source informed that this is not due to the ban on coal.
"Let's face it, a criminal is a criminal and no matter where he goes, he will do the same thing.
The current spree of kidnappings could be because of the getting together of like minded people to make a fast buck," he said very candidly.
There was however, no confirmation regarding the people behind the kidnapping of the trader.
Recently, the police had rescued Utpal Dey, a primary school teacher from the clutches of militants in a rescue operation after he was kidnapped on June 30 .
Another trader, Tapan Saha, who was kidnapped from the Baromile area near Tura on June 29 is said to have been released by his captors on July 5.Saha was suffering from a weak heart and was due to undergo a surgery.
According to sources, he is now in Mumbai for a health check-up related to his heart problem.
However, no information on whether any ransom money was paid or not is available, though indications are there that no ransom demand was made due to his condition.