Dumka, Nov. 24: A ransom call claim by parents of a Plus-Two student, who disappeared from his lodge at Rashikpur here last Sunday, and contradictory statements by friends of the allegedly abducted boy have baffled police.

Kamal Ranjan alias Vicky, the missing Intermediate student of AN College, is a resident of Dhanwe village under Hansdiha block. He vanished from Vikash lodge last Sunday after allegedly receiving a call on his mobile set, claimed his friends.

Bhabesh Mandal, an affluent farmer and Vicky’s father, told Dumka superintendent of police Sido Hembrom today, that his son’s kidnappers had called up their neighbour, Prahallad Mandal, yesterday. They had also spoken to his wife.

According to Mandal, the abductors told Prahallad over phone that Vicky was eager to talk to his mother. Prahallad subsequently handed the phone to her, when Vicky told her that he was in “deep trouble”. One of his abductors later asked for a Rs 20-lakh ransom. The family were threatened with dire consequences if they tried to inform the police about the incident.

Vicky’s friends also claimed that he had recently got involved with a girl from Godda and usually remained glued to the mobile. On the eve of his disappearance, Vicky allegedly borrowed clothes from his roommate and went out to meet the unknown callers.

Dumka SP said they have started investigations and the phone number of the abductors has been sent for identification.