Patna: The abductors of the National Hydel Power Corporation (NHPC) technocrats have demanded Rs 5 crore each from the families of NHPC general manager (projects) T Mandal and chief engineer K Singh who remain traceless for the fifth day today (Nov 23, 2004).

A top NHPC official said that the kidnappers rang up the New Delhi-based family members of the kidnapped senior technocrats demanding the ransom for their "safe" release.

"The calls have been tapped and the kidnappers want the payment immediately," the official said on condition of anonymity.

The kidnapping of the two officials has created terror among the NHPC officials posted in Bihar for carrying out execution of road construction schemes.

Meanwhile, the police raided several places in Patna, Muaffarpur, Vaishali, East and West Champaran for rescuing the hostages but in vain.

The police had already raided the houses of LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) MLAs Vijay Shukla alias Munna Shukla and Rajen Tiwari in connection with the kidnapping.

The police, however, claimed to have achieved a major breakthrough by identifying the gang involved in the kidnapping.

Seven persons have so far been taken into custody for interrogation in this case.