NE FCI boss still untraced, CM points to ULFA

Guwahati, Apr 19 (UNI) The mystery over the abduction of Food Corporation of India (FCI) Executive Director P C Ram continued deepening even as Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi pointed the accusing finger towards the banned ULFA.

Rumour that the ULFA called up Ram's son Praveen at his Ghaziabad residence, demanding a ransom of Rs 21 crore was, however, denied by Praveen.

Ram was abducted after he left office on the night of April 17 at around 1830 hours. His driver, Ravi Basumatary, and his ambassador car were also missing.

Speaking to UNI over phone from New Delhi, Praveen said, '' None has rung me up so far demanding any money. The case is being dealt with by the vigilance of the FCI based in New Delhi. I cannot say if they have received any such demand. '' Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said it was most likely that the ULFA was behind the abduction.

He confirmed that a militant group was involved. '' Definitely a militant group of Asom is involved, which is most likely to be ULFA, '' Mr Gogoi told a press conference here, saying, '' The government has some leads which we can't disclose. '' He also said the Central Government had also conveyed its concern over the incident.

UNI