By Our Reporter
Shillong: Security forces have launched a massive operation in South Garo Hills since Thursday to rescue the son of a coal exporter who was abducted by Garo Hills based militant outfit GNLA on Tuesday night from Chokpot area.
Mahanta, a resident of Gasulpara, was abducted by eight armed rebels of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) at around 7.30pm on Tuesday night from Chokpot area.
South Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Davis NR Marak however, expressed difficulty in acquiring accurate information about the abduction as the family members of the abducted individual were refusing to acknowledge the fact the Mahanta had been kidnapped.
“They (Mahanta’s family members) have even refused to file an FIR creating difficulty in proceeding further with the case,” Marak said, adding that the police has, however, gone ahead and launched the operation in the area to ensure the safe return of Mahanta.
Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandos have been pressed into service to trace the abductors. Marak also informed that the kidnappers had reportedly made ransom demands but the exact amount was not known.
“The family members are not willing to speak but we have learnt that ransom demands have been made but we have no further information on whether the amount has been paid or not,” he added.
The SP further informed that the GNLA rebels had earlier sent extortion demands to the coal exporter.