SHILLONG: The police in South Garo Hills conducted a successful rescue operation late Thursday night, thwarting a kidnapping plot and saving a 50-year-old mechanic from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Akhilesh Chauhan was abducted by a criminal gang while attending to a routine request for diesel at a bridge construction camp near Karukol village in Siju.
Two perpetrators, Wilban M Sangma and Withmil S Marak, were apprehended during the operation, while two others managed to evade capture. Sangma and Marak are believed to have connections with militant groups.
Chauhan’s ordeal began on the night of March 19 when he was lured away from his quarters and abducted by unidentified assailants. The kidnappers swiftly reached out to Chauhan’s family, demanding a ransom of Rs 50 lakhs and setting a three-day deadline for compliance.
Swift action by the South Garo Hills Police led to the rescue of Chauhan, who was safely escorted back by the rescue teams. Investigations revealed the kidnappers’ meticulous planning, including diversionary tactics to evade detection.
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Authorities are probing the alleged links of the arrested individuals with militant organisations, particularly in light of recent concerns about the resurgence of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA).
Earlier statements from authorities, including Director General of Police (DGP) LR Bishnoi and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, underscored the state’s commitment to preventing any resurgence of militant activity in the region.
In February, Deputy Chief Minister Tynsong affirmed the vigilance of the police force in countering such activities, highlighting the government’s preparedness to tackle any attempts at regrouping by militant elements.
“The police are vigilant, and they will prevent any attempt at regrouping. We are prepared to counter such activities,” Deputy Chief Minister Tynsong had assured.
