New Delhi, November 22
Uncertainty loomed over the fate of Mr M.R. Kutty, an Indian driver who was kidnapped in Afghanistan by unidentified people on November 19, even as the Afghan government was today able to establish back-channel contacts with the kidnappers.
A western news agency pushed the panic button in Indian establishment this evening by saying that Mr Kutty, a driver with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), had been executed. This report even gave the timing of the “execution” as 1800 hours.
Prime Minister’s Media Adviser Sanjaya Baru, when approached by this correspondent tonight for a confirmation or denial of this news item, said the government was aware of the news report but it was in no position to confirm or deny it.
The confusion over Mr Kutty’s well-being was worse confounded a couple of hours later when another western wire service gave the news that Mr Kutty had been released.
Two key officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, when contacted by this correspondent at 9 pm, said the government was not in a position to say anything with certainty on the Indian hostage’s well-being.
