Kandhamal block vice-chairman stages own kidnapping to gain sympathy, arrested

High drama unfolded in Kandhamal, after Phiringia block Vice-Chairman was arrested on Monday for allegedly faking his own kidnap.

Five associates of Vice-Chairman Ajit Kumar Sahu were arrested in connection with the fake kidnapping incident. Three vehicles were also seized.

As per reports, Sahu went missing from Jajespanga ghat on June 2. Subsequently, his associates Biranchi Mallick and Basanta Mallick filed an FIR at Phiringia police station.

Following the development, police launched an investigation into the incident and found Sahu from Sudra market in Baliguda. After questioning Sahu at Baliguda police station, it was learnt that Sahu had faked his kidnapping. Sahu himself admitted to the fake kidnapping plot. He revealed that they had created the plot to get sympathy of people.

After confession of Sahu, police arrested his five associates- Biranchi, Basanta, Ajit Rana, Trilochan Jhankar and Jukteswar Rana for helping him in the fake kidnapping plot. They will be forwarded to court tomorrow.

“We have registered a case at Phiringia police station. Sahu along with his five associates will be forwarded to court tomorrow,” said Phulbani Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Suprasanna Mallick.

“As per Vice-Chairman Sahu’s confession, he had faked his kidnapping plot to highlight the issue in the media and showcase that he is a great worker for which he was kidnapped. In this way he wanted to get sympathy of people,” said Mallick.

Meanwhile, Sahu admitted his mistake of faking his own kidnapping.

“I had no intention to put the administration into trouble. I just wanted to test how much sympathetic people are towards me as I am working hard for them. I admit my mistake. My family members didn’t have any idea about the plot and hence they registered the case out of panic,” said Sahu.