Elderly Farmer Rescued After Alleged Abduction to Bangladesh
Incident Overview
Cachar SSP Sanjib Kumar Saikia (left of centre) with BSF personnel and Ranjit Das (centre) following his return. (AT Photo)
Silchar, June 16: Ranjit Das, a 77-year-old farmer from Cachar, was reportedly abducted into Bangladesh while tending to his fields near Kinnarkhal village on Tuesday morning. He was safely returned to India around 10 PM the same day, although he sustained injuries under unclear circumstances.
Cachar SSP Sanjib Kumar Saikia confirmed the incident, stating that the 170 Battalion of the BSF coordinated with the Border Guard Bangladesh to facilitate Das's return.
"The farmer was taken into Bangladesh, and the BSF worked with the Border Guard Bangladesh to ensure his safe return," Saikia explained.
Upon his return, Das expressed gratitude towards the government for their prompt action but refrained from discussing the details of his injuries. Authorities are optimistic that further information will surface as the investigation continues and Das recuperates.
The abduction occurred shortly after the border gate opened at 7 AM, allowing local farmers to access their agricultural lands beyond the fencing. Approximately 16 to 17 farmers were present when the incident transpired.
Kalimohan Das, Ranjit's younger brother, who claims to have witnessed the event, reported that a group of individuals approached the farmers while they were ploughing.
"While we were ploughing, the equipment malfunctioned, causing a delay. Suddenly, a few individuals appeared and seized him. Before we could react, they forcibly took him away," Kalimohan recounted. He also mentioned that the assailants threatened Ranjit before abducting him.
Ranjit's return has brought relief to his family and the local community, who were anxious throughout the day following the alleged abduction.
However, with the elderly farmer yet to share his experience and the details surrounding his injuries still unclear, many questions about the incident remain unanswered.
