During the last two years, 1700 persons have been abducted according to a new report prepared by the Police Department. The number includes personal issues as well.

Most of them have been abducted for extortion according to information gathered by the police, a senior police officer said.

In 2009, 926 persons were abducted and 774 persons were abducted during the last year, the police said.

Police also stated that 202 suspects are yet to be identified and for 275 cases the police have taken steps or had acted to deal with them legally. (Sujith Hewajulige)