Abducted Jharkhand trader killed

Ranchi, March 6 (IANS) Jharkhand Police on Sunday confirmed that a trader from Ranchi abducted earlier this week has been killed.

The body of Raju Mandal was found on Saturday at Chatra district. He was abducted from Ranchi on February 29.

The abductors had reportedly demanded Rs.1 crore for ransom. The body was identified by a relative on Saturday night.

According to police, he was shot dead.

Mandal was a marble and tiles trader. Ranchi police had launched an operation to rescue him.

"This is an unfortunate incident. The state government should provide security to the traders," said Ravi Bhatt, member of Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries.