India, Sept. 5 -- Five people related to a murder convict out on bail were rescued in a dramatic operation in Panvel on Wednesday night after the convict held them hostage at knife point over a property dispute. The operation spanned more than three hours, with policemen first negotiating with the convict before confronting and overpowering him and rescuing all the captives unharmed. Four police personnel sustained injuries during the incident and were treated at the Sub-District Hospital in Panvel, police officers aware of the matter told Hindustan Times.

According to the police, the incident occurred at Mangala Nivas opposite the old tehsil office in Panvel. Around 8.30pm on Wednesday, the accused, 35-year-old Siban Babulal Mahato, who...