Bangladesh agrees to return abducted Indian farmer Ranjit Das after high-level talks

After nearly eight hours of anxiety and uncertainty, a positive breakthrough has emerged in the case of Indian farmer Ranjit Das, who was allegedly abducted by Bangladeshi miscreants from the India-Bangladesh border in Assam's Cachar district.

According to North Karimganj MLA Zakaria Ahmed and Katigorah MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Bangladeshi authorities have agreed to facilitate the safe return of the abducted Indian citizen following high-level discussions between officials of the two countries. However, no official confirmation has yet been issued by the administration regarding his release.

Sources said the incident occurred around 10:30 am on Tuesday when 60-year-old Ranjit Das was reportedly working on agricultural land in the no-man's land area near the Surma River along the international border. Six alleged Bangladeshi miscreants crossed the river by boat and confronted Das. Following an altercation, the group allegedly abducted him and took him across the border into Bangladesh.

Personnel of the Indian border guarding force rushed towards the spot after hearing cries for help, but the abductors had already escaped by boat.

A flag meeting was subsequently held between the border forces of India and Bangladesh, though initial discussions reportedly failed to secure Das's release. The matter was later escalated to higher authorities, leading to fresh negotiations between the two sides.

Following the intervention of senior officials, Bangladesh reportedly conveyed a positive response regarding the return of the abducted farmer. Despite the development, reports indicate that Ranjit Das had not yet been formally handed over to Indian authorities till the filing of this report.

The incident triggered tension among residents in the border areas, with many gathering near the international boundary and demanding the safe return of Das. Locals have said they will continue to monitor the situation until he is brought back safely.

Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya, along with MLAs Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha and Zakaria Ahmed, has been actively monitoring the developments.

While the positive response from Bangladesh has helped ease tensions in the border region, residents remain anxious as they await the safe return of Ranjit Das. Authorities from both countries continue to remain engaged on the issue.