GUWAHATI: Bangladeshi miscreants abducted an Assamese man from the international border in Katigorah area of the state’s Cachar district and physically assaulted him before the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) handed him over to the Border Security Force (BSF) after flag meetings.
The incident happened on Tuesday after the abductee, Ranjit Das (60), had gone to the “ground zero” along with other Indian farmers for agriculture.
It is learned that the miscreants used a boat to cross the Surma river that separates the two countries in that area. The zero line extends 150 yards on either side of the boundary.
“We were returning after work when I remembered that I left my machete behind. I went to get it when suddenly two people came. They attacked me before abducting me,” said Das.
After more than 10 hours, the BGB handed over Das to the BSF at Bhanga border post in neighboring Sribhumi district. He was later taken to a local hospital for treatment.
His village Chandinagar Part-II adjoins the border. Locals go to their fields at the zero line for agricultural activities after the BSF opens the barbed wire fence gate in the morning.
Das’ son Sujit said, “My father went to the spot along with 16 other villagers. One of them called me and informed me that he had been kidnapped. I immediately informed the BSF officials and they rushed to the spot.”
Local BJP legislator Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha said Das was physically assaulted. “Certainly there was some motive behind the attack and abduction incident,” the MLA said.
He further stated that Das was released due to the efforts made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, BSF and the administration.
“I have seen what a politically and diplomatically strong Prime Minister can do. He contacted leaders in Delhi, BSF and other higher authorities. Pressure mounted on Bangladesh and it was forced to release the man,” Purkayastha further said.
