New twist in Ankit kidnapping case

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

Police here said since Rajak 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 servant Balram about the fate of the hapless child in a bid to confuse investigators.

Initially the servant 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.

However, the case, which rocked the entire state and drew flak from all quarters, took a U-turn last week following Balram's claim 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 again taken to Chapra. But he again changed his statement claiming 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, the child's body could not be recovered neither could Sanjay be arrested.

UNI