Abducted FCI Executive Director Ram alive: Police

Guwahati, July 6 (UNI): Abducted FCI's Executive Director P C Ram is alive, police claimed today.

Police said the kidnapped government officer's family had got evidence that Mr Ram is alive.

Mr Ram was abducted by ULFA on April 17 last and his ''body'' was found near Baska in lower Asom on June 29. The half mutilated body was identified by his domestic maid and later by his son Prabin and accodingly the body was taken back to New Delhi and creamted.

However, this afternoon a caller identifying himself as Mr Ram contacted his family in New Delhi, police added. ''We talked to him and asked some personal matters and convinced that it was indeed my father'' Prabin Ram, FCI officer's son, informed over phone from New Delhi even as the family members were mourning the death of Ram and many dignitaries including a Union minister and FCI top officials attended there.

The family immedidately contacted Assam Police and informed about latest telephonic talks of Ram.

The IGP(SB) Assam Police, Khagen Sharma, said that he had information that the family had got creditable evidence that Ram was alive. ''We too had some informtion and that is why we are keeping the operation on'' said Mr Sharma confirming that Mr Ram is alive.

Meanwhile, ULFA has been constantly denying that Ram was killed and said he is alive.

UNI