Ranchi, February 14: As the fate of the abducted Block Development Officer (BDO) is still unknown, Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren today said he is optimistic about his safe return.
“Efforts are on for the safe return of the BDO,” Soren told newsmen here, more than 24 hours after Prashant Kumar Layek’s abduction by four suspected Maoists from East Singhbhum district.
To a query, the CM denied having received any conditions from the Maoists for the BDO’s release.
Inspector General of Police V D Deshmukh said raids had been continuing by the security forces to locate Layek.
No sooner the BDO had concluded a public hearing at Dalbhumgarh than four suspected Maoists, reportedly wielding AK-47 rifles, took him away.
The BDO’s abduction occurred about five months after the Maoists had kidnapped and beheaded Special Branch Officer, Francis Induwar in Ranchi district.
–Agencies