Atindranath Dutta, the officer-in-charge of Sankrail police station in Jhargram who was abducted by Maoists last month and held captive for two days before being dramatically released in the presence of a media contingent, has finally decided to rejoin duty as soon as possible. While Dutta has been reluctant to join again at Sankrail, senior police officers said he has no choice and would have to report there.

Following his release about a fortnight ago, two notices were sent to Dutta by the West Midnapore Superintendent of Police, asking him to get back to his job as early as possible.

Dutta’s family members, however, are apprehensive about him joining the same police station from where he was abducted when Maoists stormed inside on October 20 afternoon. “This is the only worry for the family,” said a relative of Dutta.

In the days following his release, Dutta had said he would have to think hard before rejoining the police service again.

“The family has decided he will rejoin as soon as possible. There is no question of withdrawing from the service. However, we are a bit skeptical about Atindra being asked to join back as the O-C of the Sankrail police station,” said Sanjib Dutta, Atindra’s brother-in-law. According to Sanjiv, Atindra is a little nervous to return to the same police station from where he was abducted. “We will convey our apprehensions to the West Midnapore SP soon. However, we are in regular touch with his office,” he said.

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