Suspected ultras kidnap MLA's kin,demand Rs 20 lakh

Silchar, Aug 22 (UNI) Suspected militants kidnapped the manager of a rubber garden in Narayanpur in Karimganj district of Assam about 110 km from here early today and demanded Rs 20 lakh as ransom.

Police said a group of militants in army fatigue whisked away Ravindra Sinha, the manager of the sprawling garden, from his quarters at around 0200 hours.

Ravindra is the younger brother of Patharkandi MLA Kartik Sena Sinha.

They said the kidnappers have demanded Rs 20 lakh over phone from the family of Ravindra Sinha as ransom for his release.

Police are investigating whether any militant outfit is involved in the kidnapping.

Karimganj SP Pradeep Chandra Saloi, along with a contingent of police and CRPF, have been conducting operation in the adjoining area to rescue Sinha and nab the miscreants. As the area is near the Bangladesh border, the BSF had also been alerted, official sources said.

Police said five persons were detained today during the operation from Narayanpur and adjoining areas in connection with their suspected involvement.

Patharkandi MLA Kartik Sena Sinha said from Dispur he had brought the incident to the notice of Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma. Accordingly, Sharma asked the chief secretary and the DGP to take immediate action.

UNI