The bank manager and accountant abducted near Jhajha were released by their abductors on Tuesday night after police conducted concerted raids on their hideouts in the district.

Canara Bank's Rajala branch manager Om Prakash Paswan and accountant Ranjeet Kumar were abducted at Shatighat around 8pm on Monday when they were on their way back to Jhajha, 15km away from the office.

Jamui superintendent of police Upendra Prasad Singh said on Wednesday: "The duo were released on Tuesday night after concerted raids on the abductors' hideouts. It's a rumour that the families paid the abductors ransom for the two men's release."

A source close to the bankers, however, said: "The family members paid the abductors Rs 23 lakh at a fixed location on Tuesday afternoon after which the hostages were set free."

Om Prakash Paswan, the Rajala branch manager, also denied any ransom was paid. On their ordeal, he said on Wednesday afternoon: "Both of us were kept on the hilltop. We were just given tea and biscuits on Tuesday afternoon."