TURA, June 9 - A trader from Assam, who feigned his own kidnapping about 10 days ago, was arrested by West Garo Hills police along with the driver of the vehicle he was travelling in, after he was found near Rongbretgre in the district.
Samirul Islam, a resident of Sonargaon near Mankachar in Assam, had allegedly gone to Dalu to purchase betel nuts. He apparently told the driver of the vehicle that he would be back after meeting up with some of the locals.
However, he did not return after which the driver, who apparently was also into the plan, registered a case of kidnapping. The FIR was lodged on May 31 after the trader went missing from Bamonpara near Tekteng Ading (WGH).
Police, however, found Islam in Rongbretgre (13th Mile) village today and was taken to Dalu Police Station.
His alleged kidnapping had befuddled the police as there was no information of any new gang operating in the area as most that were involved in criminal acts were already behind bars leading them to suspect foul play.
A search operation for the �abducted� trader had been launched immediately after a case was filed.
�He faked his own abduction as he wanted to evade payments to be made to several villagers for the purchase of betel nuts/cashew nuts. We have arrested both Islam and his accomplice � the driver of the vehicle,� said acting SP in charge of WGH, Dalton Marak.
