Date:28/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/28/stories/2007112850080100.htm

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Autorickshaw drivers ‘attack’ Swapna’s house

Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD: A day after stumbling upon leads that 19-year-old Swapna was not kidnapped by autorickshaw drivers as alleged by her parents, the police on Tuesday stepped up search for her within and outside the State.

Tension prevailed in Banjaranagar from where Swapna was kidnapped when some autorickshaw drivers resorted to violence alleging that they were unfairly targeted in the ‘false’ abduction case. A case was registered against Swapna’s parents and some local leaders for “assaulting and restraining auto-drivers” holding them responsible for the kidnap. The Cyberabad police confirmed Swapna was safe though eluding them. Sources said that special teams continued searches at Bidar and Bangalore and Tirupati.

The first clue in the sensational case came from a couple that claimed to have seen Swapna speaking to an unidentified youth outside a private hospital three days before she was allegedly kidnapped. “We have information that a person took away Swapna in an autorickshaw. Whether she willingly went with him or not will be confirmed only after she is traced,” the police said. They picked up three youngsters who reportedly told them that Swapna and her companion could be either in Tirupati or any neighbouring State.

A group of autorickshaw drivers staged demonstration at Meter Factory road before advancing towards Banjaranagar to attack Swapna’s house. They also damaged two RTC buses hurling stones.

Meanwhile, some representatives of autorickshaw drivers approached the Sanathnagar police alleging they were unnecessarily harassed in the case. A case was registered against Swapna’s parents.