3 kidnappers of Asansol boys arrested in UP

Lucknow, June 18 (UNI) In a major breakthrough, the Special Task Force(STF) of the Uttar Pradesh police here today arrested three kidnappers involved in the abduction of two 15-year-old boys from Asansol in West Bengal last month.

The STF personnel arrested Imran, Mohammad Irshad and Mohammad Arif and recovered from their possession Rs Nine lakh in cash and two country-made pistols and ammunitions.

The trio were involved in kidnapping of Rishav Agarwal and Pradeep Agarwal on May 16 from Asansol when they were going to Durgapur to attend a birthday party of their friend Saddam, who was also involved in the abduction.

Senior Superintendent of Police(STF) Amitabh Yash said here that West Bengal police sought help from the STF after ransom calls were recieved from different parts of Uttar Pradesh including Robertstanj, Allahabad and Varanasi by the kidnappers.

The police was tracking the kidnappers, who originally belong to Bhabhua in Kaimur district of Bihar, even after they let off the two boys after recieving about Rs 45 lakhs as ransom from their family against their demand of Rs 5 crore, he said.

Of the three arrested, two belong to Bhabua while Imran is the resident of Belgachia, Kolkata. UP police has lodged cases against them under Gangster Act.

The SSP said the three were in Lucknow to purchase a second hand oil-tanker in the Ashiyana locality where thay were nabbed by the STF.

Imran revealed before the mediapersons that there are 10 members in their gang led by one Enamul Haq of Bhabhua, who is a close associate of one of the banned naxalite outfit and a former 'Mukhia' of Palka village. He also contested the last assembly elections in Bihar.

Mr Yash said efforts were on to nab other members of the gang and to recover rest of the ransom money. Inspector General of Police (STF) has also announced an award of Rs 10,000 to the police team for the good work.

Meanwhile, West Bengal police who were cordinating with the STF in the case will make a plea before the local court here tomorrow to take the three kidnappers on transit remand to Asansol.

UNI