Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 11
Three persons were handed over to the police after they were apprehended by the public in what can be termed as a botched abduction for ransom of a small business owner in Diphupar, Chümoukedima. The abduction, which occurred on March 10, was allegedly orchestrated by two members of the NSCN-K (Khango), in cahoots with a former policeman.
As informed by the police, the three accused, whose identities were not disclosed, abducted the victim from the pharmacy, which the latter runs in Diphupar. The victim was accused by the three of selling illegal drugs and as penalty, was told to pay an undisclosed sum. He failed to pay the money and was subsequently taken hostage. They called up the victim’s wife the same evening, demanding Rs 1 lakh for releasing the victim.
On hearing the news, the wife sought the help of the Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation (DNYO), which laid a trap to nab the abductors. She was asked to comply with the demand of the abductors. She did as told, assuring the abductors that the ransom would be handed over when they safely drop off the hostage in Diphupar.
The abductors fell for the trap and were apprehended by the youths who were laying in wait. It was around 5:00 pm. The three were later handed over to the police.
Another version of the incident has it that the ex-policeman, who had taken voluntary retirement, was apprehended in possession of restricted pharmaceutical drugs by the NSCN-K (Khango) duo. He reportedly told the duo that he bought it from the pharmacy from where the abduction saga followed then on.
While this version is yet to be corroborated, the police informed that a case of abduction has been registered against all three and investigation has been initiated.
Two held for assault
A father-son duo was arrested by the Niuland police in connection to an alleged assault on March 9. The duo was taken into custody by the Niuland Police Station, the same day, after they were handed over by villagers following the alleged assault incident.
As per the police, the arrested duo runs a brick kiln in Zukihe village, where they allegedly instigated labourers into assaulting one person following what was said to be a heated verbal exchange with some individuals. “Only after ascertaining both sides of the story, a clearer picture will emerge. Police inquiry is on,” said a police official.
Body of drowned man recovered
In another incident, SDRF personnel, along with civilian volunteers, recovered the body of a man from the Dhansiri river on March 11, in Ekhyo Yan (village), Dimapur, bordering Karbi-Anglong, Assam. Suspected to be a case of drowning, the deceased victim, identified as Dasrat Verma, was reported missing on March 10. He was said to have left home on Sunday, to not return. His body was found drowned in the Dhansiri.
