NONGPOH: In a daring act three suspected armed militants made a failed attempt to abduct a businessman from Chibra under Pelingkata Police Outpost in Ri-Bhoi District.
According to Ri Bhoi Police, on Saturday at around 12.30 pm, the businessman identified as Rajesh Jalan, who owns a stone crusher unit at Chibra was proceeding toward Pelingkata village on his motorcycle when three suspected armed militants ambushed him and forcibly stopped him with the intention to kidnap him.
The businessman, on seeing the armed youths, tried to escape by jumping into a stream when the militants fired three rounds at him and one bullet hit him on his right shoulder and his neck.
The businessman, however, managed a miraculous escape from the clutches of the militants by escaping into the thick jungle nearby.
Later, the injured businessman was traced by a police team from Pelingkata and was rushed to Byrnihat PHC from where he was discharged in the evening.
A manhunt has been launched to nab the militants involved in the failed abduction attempt.
Abductors release coal traders
Two coal traders who were abducted by suspected GNLA militants on Sept 27 from Rongkhugre were released six days later near Wahthre, a delayed report said on Sunday.
Tender Nongbri and Edward Nongmin were freed by the kidnappers around 6 pm on Friday near Wahthre. It is suspected that they were released by their captors after having paid the ransom demanded by them.
The duo, hailing from Rongkhugre Village under Shallang Police Station, was reportedly abducted by GNLA militants from their residences on Sept 27 evening.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the abductors had served demand notes of Rs.2 crore each to the families of the two coal traders.
Earlier in August, one Kharsang Ch Sangma, a coal businessman, had been kidnapped from Rongchugre village under Shallang PS in West Khasi Hills while he was on his way to Goalpara.
With rise in kidnapping incidents in Shallang area, the local coal businessmen have expressed serious concern and have urged the authorities to take necessary steps to arrest the trend.
Militant lynched by public in Garo Hills
A suspected militant from the ASAK Garo outfit was beaten to death by the public at Nengkong market in South Garo Hills while attempting to extort money from the villagers on Saturday afternoon.
According to police sources, a three member gang entered Nengkong market, 40 kms away from Baghmara town, and started threatening villagers by demanding money at 4:30 PM.
An angry mob chased the three extortionists and managed to nab one of them identified as Pongreng R Marak.
The public rained blows on him assaulting him with sticks and other lethal weapons leading to his death. He reportedly hailed from Rewak area of Siju.
A 7.62 pistol along with demand notes of ASAK outfit were found in the posession of the deceased which was handed over to police by the villagers.
The body which was recovered by police was later taken for post mortem to Baghmara on Sunday. (With inputs from our Tura and Nongstoin correspondents)