Abducted NHPC staff rescued
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 24 2011:
Along with rescuing a Pump House Operator of National Hydro-Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) who had been abducted for ransom demand, a combined force of Bishnupur District Police and troops of 32 CRPF have been able to arrest a cadre of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) reportedly involved in the case.
Addressing a press conference in this connection at Bishnupur District Police Headquarters today, SP (Bishnupur) Thokchom Radheshyam informed that the combined force managed to rescue the hostage and arrest one of the involved ZUF cadre after an intensive search operation in Chaiba village and its surrounding area under Loktak police station from 6 am to 7 pm yesterday.
The hostage identified as Sh Gouramani Sinha (50) of Kathanchura village under Tripura North district, who works as the Pump House Operator of NHPC at its Loktak project site was abducted by some unidentified armed persons on the night of September 22 .
On receipt of information, a combined team of Bishnupur district police led jointly by Additional SP (Law & Order) LM Haokip and SDPO Hopeson Sapam and troops of 32 CRPF started a massive search operation since 6 am yesterday.
Following a special tip off, the combined team rushed in to Chaiba village, which is located about 7/8 kms from Loktak police station, to rescue the abducted NPHC staff.
However, the team led by SDPO Hopeson came under fire from armed ZUF cadres.
To avoid any possible casualty of the hostage, the security team retaliated in a restrained manner.
Inspite of that, the combined team managed to rescue Gouramani from a Chaiba village area and arrest one ZUF cadre involved in the abduction although the rest escaped under cover of darkness, the SP informed.
Identifying the arrested ZUF cadre as Poulani Gangmei (21) of Khoupum Satudai, the SP further informed that from the disclosure of Poulani Gangmei, it has been known that four of them were involved in the abduction.
The other involved cadres are S/S Lt Kenedy Kamei of Lungjang village, S/S 2nd Lt George Riangmei of Tousem and Lungaingam Kamei.
They have demanded Rs 5 lakh from the family of Gouramani, SP Radheshyam informed, adding that further investigation into the incident is on.