Kidnapped bank official escapes from suspected ultras

One of the three bank officials, who were kidnapped by suspected ultras in naxal-hit Palamau district, managed to escape, police said today.

Branch manager Pramod Kumar managed to escape and reach Herhanj police station in adjoining Latehar district this evening, DIG (Palamau) Ravi Kant Dhan said.

Dhan said Kumar was brought to Palamau under police escort and is likely to proceed for Ranchi tomorrow.

Two other officials, field officer Anup Kumar Lal and accountant A Kerketa, were still under the captivity of the abductor, Dhan said adding that a massive combing operation was on to trace them.

Earlier SBI regional manager N C Pal confirmed that altogether three officials including the branch manager were abducted by suspected ultras while they were heading towards Ranchi from Panki in a car last night.

The driver of the vehicle, who was carrying the three officials to Ranchi, was released by the ultras, he said.

Meanwhile, the SBI officials and employees, led by Pal, today met the Deputy Commissioner of Palamau, Manoj Kumar and submitted a memorandum demanding immediate action to release the three officials as well as adequate security to bank employees.

The higher officials of the bank in Ranchi also met Jharkhand Home Secretary and Director General of Police and apprised the incident.

Police sources said DIG (Palamau) Ravi Kant Dhan has been camping in Panki as a massive combing operation was launched to trace the three officials.