Abduction, a jolt to state government

January 20: After RSS Sahsarkaryavah Suresh Soni discussed further strategy over forth coming elections with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Madhya Pradesh witnessed abduction of a high profile pharmaceutical company official. Ashwani Kumar Bhat, president, manufacturing, of pharmaceutical major Nicholas Piramal India Limited has gone missing in Madhya Pradesh. Bhat was in Gwalior yesterday to participate in MP government's investor's meet and got abducted on way to Indore. The police have recovered his Toyota Corolla from Dholpur in Rajasthan with blood strains.

Bhat's abduction is a major blow to Shivraj regime which is desperately seeking investment in the state. In October 2007, Shivraj had organized a "global investor meet" in Indore where some 102 MoUs amounting Rs 95,416 crores were signed. But subsequently, very few MoUs translated into action. There was more bad news to follow. In communally sensitive town of Bhadnawar in dhar district and in Ratlam, Muslims observing Mohurram clashed with Hindus resulting in death of two persons, arson and looting. In Bhadnawar, RSS workers were taking out a procession when they clashed with Muslims preparing for Moharram procession. Local police blamed both communities for showing scant regard for rule of law.

In ruling BJP circles, these incidents are seen as a "bad sign" for a beleaguered chief minister. Informed sources said Soni, who acts as a vital link between the RSS and BJP central leadership may take a dim view of chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan's grip over the administration. Shivraj is already in a dock over allegations of corruption involving his close relatives. A section of the local BJP has been demanding change of leadership pointing that Shivraj was unlikely to lead the party to victory in assembly polls scheduled later this year.

Pharma honcho's abduction sent shockwaves across the state. Piramal group chairman Ajay Piramal said it was a matter of concern. "We are taking all steps and working in all directions to trace Bhat," he said. Bhat's family and top company officials made repeated attempts to contact him, but his cell phone remained switched off. Even his driver's phone remained switched off. Indore Superintendent of Police Anshuman Yadav said till late Sunday evening, there was no ransom call or demand. "We are not sure if Bhat had been kidnapped but team is on the lookout for him," he said.

Yadav said the top executive's vehicle was found abandoned in Dholpur district of Rajasthan bordering Madhya Pradesh, around two hours' drive from Gwalior. Indore and Gwalior are around 650 km apart. Gwalior Superintendent of Police Vijaykumar Suryawanshi said all police stations on the Gwalior-Indore route to check if any vehicle was involved in an accident. "This afternoon, we got the information that a vehicle matching the registration number of Bhat's car was found abandoned at Dholpur," Suryawanshi said.