Bihar: Maoists Abduct Construction Company Staff in Sherghati, Rs 30 Lakh Levy Demanded for Hostage Release

GAYA – Making their presence felt once again in the Naxal-infested Sherghati subdivision of the district, Maoists abducted three staff members of a construction company engaged in building a bridge in the Lutua police station area. The incident occurred late Sunday night.

While two hostages, a guard, and a munshi were released Monday morning, the third captive, also a munshi named Shahnawaz Khan, remains in their captivity. The Maoists have demanded a hefty Rs 30 lakh ‘levy’ for Khan’s release, threatening dire consequences if the amount is not paid within 24 hours.

A police team, including central forces, has launched a massive campaign to secure the release of Shahnawaz Khan. Senior Superintendent of Police Ashish Bharti himself is leading the campaign. He visited Lutua on Monday to gather information about the incident and issued necessary instructions to the police officials.

According to SSP Bharti’s press statement on Monday evening, “In response to information about the munshi’s abduction, a team comprising Imamganj sub-divisional police officer Amit Kumar, other police officers, and central forces has been formed to ensure the recovery of the missing man. Raids are being conducted, and intelligence about Maoist activities in the area is also being collected.”

The Maoists reportedly interrogated the abducted staff about the cost estimate of the bridge construction project, which they revealed to be Rs two crore. The situation remains tense as efforts are underway to secure the safe release of Shahnawaz Khan.

दिनांक 24.12.2023 को देर रात्रि में लुटुआ थाना को सूचना प्राप्त हुआ कि दिनांक 24.12.23 की रात्रि में लुटुआ थानान्तर्गत असुराइन गॉव में बन रहे पुल से नक्सलियों के द्वारा पूल का निमार्ण करने वाले कम्पनी के एक मुंशी को जंगल के तरफ ले जाया गया है।

— GAYA POLICE (गया (बिहार) पुलिस ) (@GAYAPOLICEBIHAR) December 25, 2023