Jajpur, Oct 9: In a dramatic turn of events, Dhaneswar Sethi, the Ward Member of Ward No. 3 under Ranpur Panchayat in Binjharpur police limits, returned safely on Wednesday night, nearly a week after being allegedly abducted.

According to police sources, Sethy was released near the Binjharpur Police Station by unidentified miscreants. He later approached the police and provided a detailed account of his abduction and release.

The incident comes just days before a scheduled no-confidence vote in the Ranpur Panchayat, which was to be held on Wednesday. It is suspected that the abduction may have been an attempt to influence the outcome of the vote.

Sethi was reported missing on October 1, and a formal complaint was lodged at the Binjharpur Police Station the same day. Despite search efforts, there had been no leads on his whereabouts until his sudden return on Wednesday night.

Local residents suspect political motives behind the abduction and are urging a thorough investigation. Police have confirmed that a probe is underway to identify the culprits and ascertain the exact motive behind the crime.

Further developments are awaited as the investigation progresses.

Tags: Abducted