The 9 farmers kidnapped in Teknaf returned home two days later, but there was confusion about how they were rescued.

According to the police, the farmers were rescued during their usual journey, but locals say they were released after the farmers’ families secretly paid a ransom.

The return of the nine farmers was confirmed today (November 4) by Hwaikyong union congregation President Nur Mohammad Anwari.

“The farmers were kidnapped around 8.30 am on Saturday, November 2. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of 13.5 lakh rupees from the farmers’ families. They even threatened to kill the farmers if the families tried to report the situation. “We heard that the farmers were released after the ransom was paid,” Anwari said.

Anwari added that farmer families were not willing to share to whom they paid the ransom and how much.

The kidnapped people are: Nurul Islam’s son Anwar; Giyas Uddin, son of Bancha Mia; Belal Uddin, son of Jalal Ahmed; Abu Bakr, son of Abul Hossain; Nurul Alam’s son Muhammad Alam; Kafil, son of Azizur Rahman; and Nurul Hossain.

The two Rohingyas could not be immediately identified.

Confirming the release of the farmers, Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Gias Uddin said the police launched an operation after learning about the kidnapping on Saturday.

Gias said, “The kidnappers released the farmers due to the constant intervention of the police in the hills. We are currently trying to catch the kidnappers by getting information from the farmers.” he said.

However, OK denied any knowledge of the ransom payment.

According to estimates of the victims and Cox’s Bazar district police, at least 145 people (88 locals and 56 Rohingya) were abducted from various parts of Teknaf this year.

At least 78 of those kidnapped were released after paying ransom, police said.