E-Paper
Probe NRI's abduction: Daughter
It's been seven months since 67-year-old UK resident Pratul Deb was kidnapped from Bhairabi in Assam.
It's been seven months since 67-year-old NRI and UK resident Pratul Deb was kidnapped from Bhairabi in Assam. His aggrieved family — which has been running from pillar to post to try and secure his release — still has no clue about his safety or whereabouts.
Pratul's daughter Sipra is now in India with a team of British cops to help her trace her father. They are demanding a CBI inquiry into the matter.
According to Sipra, a group that allegedly owes allegiance to the United Liberation Front of Barak Valley is behind her father's abduction Pratul, who hails from Assam, was in the state in connection with his bamboo business. He was accompanied by his driver and assistant when he was kidnapped in March this year.
A few days later, the driver and the assistant were released while a ransom of Rs 50 lakh was demanded for Pratul's release. After negotiation, they came down to Rs 10 lakh. The money was paid in two installments but Pratul was not released.
Ever since, the family has had no word from the kidnappers while the authorities have no lead in the case. "We have been running from pillar to post but nobody has given us a fair hearing," said Sipra, addressing a press conference on Wednesday. The family has knocked on the doors of Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's office and the higher officials in the state police.
She alleged the state police had earlier arrested 12 persons on the basis of leads provided by them. However, all accused were later released despite their having admitted to being involved in the kidnapping.
Sipra said her father is a heart patient and also suffers from arthritis in the knees. She said they used to visit their hometown at least twice every year. This time also, Pratul had come soon after the marriage of his youngest daughter in England. Pratul Deb had also contested in the state legislative assembly elections on a BJP ticket in 2001. The Congress candidate in the elections was said to be his brother-in-law.
