Malda, 26 August (H.S.): A young man was held hostage for allegedly making an objectionable proposal to a village in Datian village under Harishchandrapur police station area in Malda district on Monday.

On information, the police rapid team reached the spot and rescued the young man from the mob and started bringing him to the police station. But then some people stopped the police van on the national highway and tried to snatch the young man. Allegedly, they wanted to settle the matter by holding a panchayat-level 'Salishi' meeting and extort money.

The police officers handled the situation with patience and vigilance and brought the young man safely to the police station. Later, the SDPO Chanchal reached the spot with additional force. The police arrested five people from the spot and started raids in search of other accused on the basis of video footage.

At present, the situation is completely under control. Police pickets have been deployed to maintain peace in the village and surrounding areas. An FIR has been registered in the case and further legal action is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey