TURA: The mother of former ANVC (B) militant, Silgrak M Marak who was arrested on Wednesday night from near Nehru Park in Danakgre in connection with the kidnapping of Iqbal Rafique, an Assistant Lecturer of Tura Christian Girls Higher Secondary School has claimed that her son is innocent.
According to her, Silgrak has nothing to do with the ANVC (B) and has been regularly providing for the family by plying his auto rickshaw in Tura area since the death of his father few years ago.
“My son was asked to wait for three non tribals near Nehru Park after he dropped them there in his auto for an amount of Rs 600. It was while he was waiting for them that he was arrested,” Silgrak’s mother said claiming he had nothing to do with the kidnapping.
Interestingly, her claim that Silgrak was a regular auto driver was also supported by the Dobasipara Unit of the Tura Auto Operators Association in a written document which was submitted to The Shillong Times.
However, her claim of Silgrak not being involved with the ANVC (B) does not appear to hold much water as according to police his name figured in the list of ANVC (B) cadres which was submitted as part of the Peace Pact with the State and the Central Government.
Former ANVC (B) Chairman, Rimpu N Marak had also indicated that Silgrak belonged to the outfit but denied his involvement in the kidnapping.
A source from within the police department also informed that he confessed to his involvement in the crime of his own free will.
