"Abul Kasem, prime accused in the abduction case and chairman of Fatikchhari union parishad, might have taken Jamal across the border to Indian state Tripura. We are checking the report," a senior police official said yesterday seeking anonymity.

The joint forces operating in Khagrachhari border area were put on high alert, he added.

If necessary, law agencies would seek support of the Tripura government in rescuing the businessman and arresting the kidnappers. He admitted rescue operation at Fatikchhari and adjoining areas made no progress and the joint forces lost contact with the source.

Talking to The Daily Star yesterday, Commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police SM Sabbir Ali said investigation in Jamal abduction case is going on.

'KIDNAPPER' REMAND

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court (CMM) of Chittagong yesterday placed one on a five-day remand for abducting four college students.

The CMM placed Irfan Qaderi on remand after Kotwali police produced him before the court in the afternoon, police said.

A gang including Irfan abducted college students -- Shahanur Hossain alias Apollo, Tanvir Rahman, Shafiul Alam Ripon and Shareq Chowdhury -- from city's KC Dey Road Friday midnight, sources said.

The gang freed Ripon and Shareq later that night and told them to bring Tk 1 lakh in ransom to get their fellows released. Raiding an abandoned house at Hazari Lane on information from the released, police rescued the other two and arrested Irfan, sources added.

Meanwhile, police failed to arrest other members of the gang despite several raids Saturday night.