Assam MLA's relative arrested in Meghalaya

Shillong, July 3 (IANS) A relative of an Assam legislator was arrested in Meghalaya for his involvement in the abduction of a State Bank of India official, police said here Thursday.

Hanif Ali, the nephew of Independent MLA from Mankachar constituency Zabed Islam, was arrested Wednesday from Garobadha area in Garo Hills region in connection with the abduction of SBI's Ampati branch manager Arvind Kumar.

"Ali was arrested on charges of masterminding the kidnapping of SBI manager Arvind Kumar June 16 from Rangatari area," Mukesh Kumar Singh, police chief of West Garo Hills district, told IANS.

Security forces had rescued Arvind Kumar two days after his abduction following a firefight.

"We are still interrogating Ali to further ascertain involvement of other people in the kidnapping," the police officer said. He said Ali has been remanded to five days police custody.

Intelligence sources said Ali was a known "history-sheeter" and maintains links with militants.

Meanwhile, Islam distanced himself from his nephew.

"Ali is my political rival... We have lost touch with him for the past 10 years. I have no connection with him now," the MLA told IANS over phone.