|
Indian abducted in Poland |
 |
While the hostage crisis in Iraq remains unresolved, the Government of India is confronted with another incident of kidnapping of an Indian national, this time in Poland. Harish Hitange, 37, a textile designer and an employee of the Indian textile firm, Samtex, living in the Polish capital, Warsaw, for the last few months, was abducted while on his way to office . He hails from Nasik in Maharashtra. He was kidnapped on April 18 by unidentified persons in police uniforms. They have demanded a ransom of 2 million Euros – Rs. 11 crores – for his release. He was kidnapped while his wife was in India on a holiday. To stress how serious were the kidnappers in their demand for ransom,. they are reported to have chopped off three of his fingers and left them in bottles in parts of the Polish capital on three different days. The Polish Police has set up a crack team to trace him.
The Government of India has called it a criminal act. The Foreign Office spokesman said India has taken up the matter with the Polish authorities which was investigating the abduction. The External Affairs Ministry summoned the Polish Ambassador to India, Krzsztof Majka, on Aug 4 and raised the issue of the abduction of Harish Hitange in Warsaw. Sources said, a note verbale was given to Majka and he was told that his government should make all possible efforts to secure his release.
The kidnapping has shocked the 800-strong Indian community in Poland. The Indian community which comprises mostly businessmen and traders, has now been advised by the Indian Association in Warsaw to be vigilant while going out. New Delhi has, however, so far, not issued any advisory against travel to Poland.
|
