Combing operations on to trace abducted bank officials

A team of CRPF and Jharkhand Police today launched operations to trace the two State Bank of India officials abducted by ultras, even as the staff of the Panki branch of SBI in Jharkhand's Palamau district boycott work demanding security.
The security personnel conducted combing operations to trace field officer Anup Kumar Lal and accountant A Kerketa, who were abducted by suspected Maoists on Saturday last, police said.
Palamau SP Narendra Kumar Singh suspected banned rebel outfit PLFI to be behind the kidnappings.
Lal, Kerketa and the branch manager Pramod Kumar were abducted by the ultras while they were on their way to Ranchi from Panki in a car. The vehicle driver, who was released by the abductors, had informed the police about the incident.

The Branch manager had managed to escape and reached Herhanj police station in the adjoining Latehar district last evening.
Meanwhile, banking operations in Panki Branch of SBI came to grinding halt as the employees refused to work demanding adequate security following the abduction.
The employees are feeling a sense of insecurity following the incident. They will continue the agitation till their demand is met, SBI Regional Manager N C Pal said.