Abducted engineer released after three days

Godda/Ranchi, Feb 28 (UNI) Deepak Kumar Shah, engineer with the Classic Coal Private Ltd, was today released from Ziazori under Lalmati police station in Godda district after being held captive for three days against a ransom of Rs 10 lakh.

Mr Shah, whose abduction was carried out by Mahendra Hansda group, was relased early this morning, senior police officials said and pleaded ignorance about whether any ransom was paid for the release.

The gang, active in the area in the past also abducted several people and reportedly demanded a large ransom.

Meanwhile, the Opposition today created noisy scene asking the government to ensure safe release of Mr Kumar.

As Speaker Alamgir Alam began the day's proceedings, BJP's Ashok Kumar raised the issue and alleged that some police officials, investigating into the case had advised the family members to pay the ransom for the release of the engineer.

The Opposition termed the incident as ''unfortunate.'' During zero hour, the issue emerged once again and Opposition leader Arjun Munda urged the government to inquire into the allegation.

Chief Minister Madhu Koda assured the House that he would look into the matter.

Mr Kumar was abducted on February 25 from near Mahgama police station, while he was inspecting the construction of a bridge in the area.

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