Tura, Dec 8: Police in Garo Hills have been commended for their rapid reaction to a kidnapping incident that led to a rescue of the victim and arrest of five perpetrators of the crime in record two days time.

“The first kidnapper was arrested on the same day we had rescued the victim. Three others were caught on Monday and today itself we have arrested another gang member,” said Dr MGR Kumar, Superintendent of Police of West Garo Hills.

The arrest on Tuesday was of a 19 year old member of the gang who was located from Rongsai area under Tikrikilla police station. Chijang A Sangma was caught and from his possession police seized one Bajaj motor cycle, two mobile phones and one khukhri dao.

A fish seller by the name of Sayful Islam belonging to Bholarbhita went missing during a journey to deliver fish for a wedding party in one village. The incident happened on Saturday.

A phone call was made to his family from his mobile by a man who threatened the family demanding Rs 15 lac for his release unharmed.

The family approached the police which began intensive operations in the Tikrikilla area to locate the kidnapped person.

During the operation in Bandangre village they located the victim near the house of the Nokma of Bandangre and rescued him.

The same evening they arrested Chekam Sangma, one of the gang members, from Bollonggitok village under Tikrikilla police station.

The continuing operations led to arrest of three other kidnappers from Kamari village on Monday, identified as Maruti N Marak, Sengrak Ch Marak and Bilbit N Sangma.

“We will not spare anyone and shall ensure everyone involved in the abduction are brought to justice,” assured SP Dr MGR  Kumar.

Kidnapping for ransom is a frequent crime that has been doing the rounds in Garo Hills for many years. The greed for fast money brings both militants and criminal gangs to take advantage of vulnerable victims who are mostly small time traders and businessmen.