BCL man held for 'abducting' Christian priest

Police yesterday arrested a Chhatra League leader of Tongi Government College for allegedly abducting a Christian priest. 

The arrestee, Shams Kabir Shourav, is the organising secretary of the BCL's college unit, said Kazi Monzur, president of the Chhatra League unit.

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A sister of Father Shishir Gagario of the capital's Kakrail Church lives in Pagar area of Tongi, Feroz Talukder, officer-in-charge of Tongi Police Station, told The Daily Star.

On Monday afternoon, a man using a clone mobile SIM card of Shishir's sister rang up the priest and said his sister was critically ill, said the OC.

As a worried Shishir reached Pagar area in the evening, a group of men confined him to a room. They snatched his mobile phone and cash.

Using Shishir's mobile phone, the gang called one of his relatives and demanded Tk 3 lakh in ransom. They also beat up the priest, added Feroz.

Hearing him scream, some locals informed the police station about the incident.

Law enforcers later raided the room and arrested Shourav. However, his accomplices managed to flee.   

Shishir yesterday filed a case with Tongi Police Station, accusing several people, including Shourav. 

BCL leader Monzur said his organisation would not shoulder blame for the misdeeds of an individual.

He said the BCL would take action against Shourav if he was found involved in the abduction.