Later a new group of abductors with sophisticated weapons took over. A released hostage revealed that the leader of the new group was a Chakma and a former 'Shantibahini officer'. Although some captors claimed that they are members of the UPDF, they are reported to have told the hostages later, that they do not have any political demands but only want money, which will go for the 'welfare of Chakma people'. Just as confusion surrounds the identity of the abductors, so is it with the 'commando raid' which reportedly freed the hostages. There are discrepancies in versions reported by the government, the press, and the released hostages.
Speculation is rife that the abductors have been granted safe-passage and amnesty.
This speculation is strengthened by the fact that before releasing the hostages, the abductors had added new demands besides the ransom - withdrawal of the military cordon around their suspected hideout, safe passage and exemption from all legal charges for the abduction. Tribal insurgents are reported to have abducted foreigners before. In 1994, one foreigner was abducted and released without any ransom believed to be paid because of the rapid moves of the army. However, in 1984, the tribal gunmen in guise of Shantibahini insurgents had abducted a foreign national and the then government paid a ransom of ten million taka and 22 kg gold.