Statement on missing scribe

TT: A journalist made a confession in a court in Alipurduar today in connection with the disappearance of Chayan Sarkar, who used to contribute articles to Uttar Banga Sambad, police source associated with the case said.

Chayan had been reported missing on August 2 evening. His motorcycle and wallet were recovered from a roadside bush near Salsalabari.

"We are investigating the case. Our officers and the CID are working on certain inputs. We are trying to locate him," A. Ravindranath, the superintendent of police of Alipurduar, said today.

Sources said the police and CID, during investigation, had spoken to two journalists, who work in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts, in connection with Chayan's disappearance.

"At least one of them made confession under Section 164 of CrPC in a court in Alipurduar today. Both of them have been asked not to leave their places without informing police," said a source.

As the CID continued its investigation, a team visited Chayan's house today and spoke to his family. The CID officials, however, refused to comment on the case.

Chayan's family members, who had spoken to media persons till yesterday, didn't say much today.

As The Telegraph visited his house this evening, a family member said: "All we can say is that we are praying for Chayan's safe return. We can't speak about anything else and have no idea of his whereabouts."

A purported text message from Chayan to a police officer in Alipurduar on August 2 had prompted the CID to look into aspects of the case other than abduction to trace him.

Sourav Chakraborty, the Alipurduar district Trinamul president, said today iterated that the organisation didn't have any link with Chayan's disappearance.