Bihar: New twist in Ankit kidnapping case

Patna, May 15: The Bihar police today served a court notice on the second suspect Sanjay Rajak in the Ankit abduction case asking him to appear before the city court 'without fail within a month'.

Police here said since Sanjay was at large despite all out efforts to nab him, the court order was pasted on the front door of his house at Chapra town.

The kidnapping of six-year-old Ankit from the heart of the city here on April 12, took a new turn last week following contradictory statements given by his alleged abductor Balram about the fate of the hapless child in a bid to confuse the investigators.

Initially servant Balram, who had been arrested on charge of kidnapping Ankit from his house, admitted that he had murdered the child and buried his body on the banks of the river Saryu in Chapra district, about 100 km from here. But later he changed his statement.

Despite constant digging of several spots on the river banks, as identifed by Balram, Ankit's body was not recovered though some of his personal belongings were found and it was apprehended that the child had indeed been murdered by the servant.

But the case, which rocked the entire state and drew flak from all quarters, took a U-turn by Balram last week who claimed that Ankit was still alive.

''Ankit was not killed and instead was taken away by his accomplice Sanjay Razak whose whereabouts could not be established despite all out search,'' Balram's revised statement quoted.

Police said on the basis of this statement Balram was once again taken to Chapra. But he again changed his statement and claimed that it was Sanjay Razak who had strangulated Ankit and buried him on the banks of the Saryu.

Despite repeated search and digging of several spots, Ankit's body could not be recovered neither could Sanjay be arrested.

UNI