Tuesday, January 4 2005 14:28 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Madhepura (Bihar): Police today (Jan 4, 2005) raided the Madhepura jail in connection with the kidnapping of orthopaedic surgeon U K Raja as health services were affected in four districts of Kosi division with the indefinite strike by the Government and private doctors entering its second day today.

Police raided the Madhepura jail following information that the family members of the abductee received a ransom call from the cellular phone of the dreaded criminal Awadhesh Mandal, who is lodged in jail, official sources said.

The details of the seizure during the raids were yet to be disclosed, sources said.

Meanwhile, health services continued to be affected in Saharsa, Madhepura, Purnea and Supaul districts of Kosi division with the Government and private doctors proceeding on an indefinite strike since yesterday (Jan 3, 2005) to press for early rescue of Raja.

The IMA (Indian Medical Association) had yesterday given an ultimatum to the State Government to ensure the release of Raja within 72 hours otherwise it would be forced to launch a State-wide agitation.

Dr U K Raja, a prominent orthopaedic surgeon of Madhepura was kidnapped on January 1 while proceeding to Purnea from Madhepura with his family members.

Though police have claimed that the gang involved in his kidnapping has already been identified, the doctor is still traceless. No arrest could be made in this connection.