Kandhamal: Police on Monday arrested Ajit Kumar Sahu, Vice-Chairman of Phiringia block in Odisha’s Kandhamal district, for allegedly faking his kidnap. Five associates of Ajit were also arrested for aiding him in the drama, while police seized three vehicles in connection with the incident.
According to reports, Sahu had gone missing from Jajespanga ghat on June 2. Soon after, his associates Biranchi Mallick and Basanta Mallick filed an FIR at the Phiringia police station.
Taking the case seriously, police launched an investigation and found Sahu at Sudra market in Baliguda. Sahu was brought to the Baliguda police station, and during interrogation, it was learned that he faked his kidnapping to gain the sympathy of the people.
Following Sahu’s confession, police arrested his five associates Biranchi, Basanta, Ajit Rana, Trilochan Jhankar, and Jukteswar Rana for helping him in the fake kidnapping drama.
Talking to the media, Phulbani DDPO Suprasanna Mallick said, “We have registered a case at Phiringia police station concerning the fake kidnapping. Mallick added, “As per Vice-Chairman Sahu’s confession, he had faked his kidnapping plot to highlight the issue in the media to get people’s sympathy.”
Meanwhile, Sahu said, “I had no intention to put the administration into trouble. I just wanted to test how sympathetic people are towards me as I work hard for them. I admit my mistake.”
