Patna: Eminent neuro surgeon of Bihar Dr Ramesh Chandra was rescued from the clutches of his captors in the wee hours on May 21, prompting the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to call off its state- wide indefinite strike and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) its Patna bandh in protest against his abduction.

Chandra was rescued by the police from Chiraura village under Naubatpur police station of Rural Patna early on May 21 morning, barely hours before the doctors were to go on an indefinite strike paralysing all medical care, including private practice and emergency services across Bihar.

State's director general of police D P Ojha said Chandra was abducted by a gang patronised by Samata party MLA from Piro Sunil Pandey.

The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of Rs one crore for Chandra's release, but he was rescued without paying any money, he said.

Patna senior superintendent of police (SSP) Sunil Kumar told reporters at the Kotwali police station in the state capital where Chandra was brought after his release, that five-six kidnappers had been arrested along with some firearms. Three vehicles used by the abductors have also been seized.

Chandra was kidnapped from near his residence in Mithapur locality of the state capital on May 17 night when he was returning home after a dinner at the residence of former Bihar IMA president Dr Ajay Kumar.

"We have decided to call off our agitation in view of the release of Chandra," IMA state general secretary Dr Sahajadanan said, adding that all district units were being informed about the decision.

Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Sushil Kumar Modi said the NDA's Patna bandh was also withdrawn following the release of the doctor, but will continue to agitate against the government's failure to check spiralling crime graph, particularly kidnapping for ransom.

The Indian Federal Democratic Party of Independent Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, which had given a separate call for Patna bandh also called off its stir.

Speaking to reporters at the Kotwali police station, a visibly tired Chandra said he was thankful to the police for his rescue, but refused to speak about circumstances of his kidnapping and the manner in which he was treated by his abductors.

Inspector general (Patna zone) A C Verma, SSP Sunil Kumar and city police superintendent O N Bhaskar met Chandra at the police station before he was sent to his home under police escort.

"I am too tired to talk about details of my kidnapping and how I was treated by my captors," Chandra told reporters at his home, where a host of his relatives and neighbours had gathered on hearing news of his safe release.

His wife applied 'tilak' on his forehead welcoming him home after three tension-filled days.

PTI