SBI officials abducted in Jharkhand

Three officials of Panki branch of the State Bank of India were abducted in Naxal-hit Palamau district, police said today.
Branch Manager Pramod Kumar, Field Officer Anup Kumar Lal and Accountant A Kerketta were abducted at Shalghati under Panki police station when they were going to Ranchi in a vehicle last night, SBI Regional Manager N C Pal said.
Initial reports late last night had said only the branch manager had been taken hostage.
The driver of the vehicle, who was released, had informed the incident to Panki police.
He told the police that three officials had been taken to the nearby jungle.

DIG (Palamau) Ravi Kant Dhan has been camping in Panki as a massive combing operation was launched to trace the three officials, police sources said.

It was yet to be confirmed whether it was the handiwork of a criminal group or Maoists.
Meanwhile, SBI officials including Pal met Palamu Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar and asked for immediate action to release the three officials as well as provision of adequate security to bank employees.
SBI higher officials also called on state home secretary and the director general of police in Ranchi in connection with the incident.