IJA concerned over missing journalist

The Indian Journalists' Association (IJA) on Wednesday expressed grave concern over a journalist of a local daily -- who had reported irregularities and corruption in the admission process in a college -- continuing to be missing and asked police to ensure his safe return.

"This is a matter of grave concern that Chayan Sarkar, a reporter of Uttarbanga Sambad at Alipurduar, is mysteriously missing since August 2. The IJA demands that police ensure his safe return," IJA president S. Sabanayakan and general secretary Sekhar Sengupta said in a joint statement.

Sarkar had lodged a complaint with police in Alipurduar alleging that he was being threatened.

While the Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri Press Club members alleged that Sarkar was abducted by those involved in the admission racket, West Bengal's opposition Left Front and the BJP pointed fingers at the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already ordered a Criminal Investigation Department probe into the case.