Nashik accountant abducted in Warsaw

As if the hostage crisis in Iraq was not enough, the Government is now faced with the kidnapping of another Indian — this time in Polan...

As if the hostage crisis in Iraq was not enough, the Government is now faced with the kidnapping of another Indian — this time in Poland.

Harish Hitange (37), a resident of Nasik, was abducted on April 20 in Warsaw. The police found his abandoned car and informed his employers, who in turn intimated his friend Krishna Mahajan in Nashik.

Harish’s parents — Devram and Pushpa — were told by Mahajan that kidnapping was a common thing in Poland and that he would return in a couple of days after the ransom was paid. They were told not to inform anyone as it would endanger Harish’s life.

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Rekha had received a letter dated May 12 from the First Secretary of the Indian Embassy — Vinay Kumar — informing her that the Indian Association of Poland had told the embassy of the abduction on April 20 and the Warsaw police had confirmed it on April 22.

Apparently, despite being paid ransom by his employers, the abductors have sent repeated warnings: They delivered three of his fingers, one at a time, in a bottle. Rekha, who had left for Poland, is expected to return in two days.

Now after three months, his parents are desperate. ‘‘We have waited enough,’’ Harish’s father Devram said today. ‘‘We want the media’s help in getting our son back. I want the Centre, which is doing so much for the Iraq hostages, to do something for our son.”

The Ministry of External Affairs today described it as ‘‘clearly a criminal act’’ and said it being investigated by the Polish police. They said that this was an ‘‘isolated incident’’ which has no broader ramifications on the security of Indians in Poland. ‘‘This is clearly a criminal act which is being investigated by the Polish authorities, Polish police and law enforcement agencies at very high levels,’’ the MEA spokesperson said today. He added that Anil Wadhwa, the Indian Ambassador in Warsaw, has been working with Polish authorities to secure Harish’s release.

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Meanwhile, a freedom fighter and secretary of the Federation of International Wrestling Association — Ravindra Kawade — who is related to the Hitanges, is now helping Harish’s father seek help from various ministries.

Mahajan claimed that the kidnappers called Harish’s employers for ransom for the Indian equivalent of Rs 11 crore. Later, however, the amount was reduced to Rs 7 crore, he said.

Kawade, however, alleges foul play. ‘‘Either a mafia gang or his colleagues have organised the kidnapping,’’ he said.

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