Pool cash to pay ransom: NHPC to staff

BHOPAL: National Hydro Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) employees from across India are pooling money to pay ransom for the release of the company's general manager, Anil Kumar Agarwal, who was abducted by National Democratic Front of Bodoland militants in Assam on September 22.

Four NDFB (Songbijit faction) militants on bikes had abducted Agarwal from Sonitpur district on the Assam-Arunachal border after forcing him out of his vehicle near Bhalukpong at gunpoint. The NDFB has demanded a ransom of Rs 20 crore from NHPC for his release.

Sources in NHPC have told TOI that employees in Madhya Pradesh have contributed Rs 1.70 lakh - donating Rs 2000- 5000 grade-wise from their salaries following an unofficial communication from the GM, business development.

"Officers of the rank of engineers and below have donated Rs 2000. Those above the rank of engineer have contributed Rs 3000 and officers of the rank of general manager and above have contributed Rs 5000," said an NHPC employee.

There are over 60 NHPC employees attached to the Narmada Hydro-electric Development Corporation (NHDC), a joint venture of NHPC and Madhya Pradesh government. Agarwal, who is currently GM of Tawang Hydro Electric Project, Assam, had a small stint with the Indira Sagar Project in MP.

NHDC chief executive director K M Singh said the issue is being dealt by the senior officers. Asked about donations, he said, "I cannot comment."

Insiders have confirmed to TOI that collections from MP were made following an unofficial communication from the NHPC brass and the money has been sent.

"We have collected Rs 1.7 lakh and NHPC's total collection from across India would be around Rs 1 cr or more. We don't have more inputs," said the officer.