Urgent Plea for Release: Odisha Man Held Hostage Amid Sudan's Civil Conflict
Odisha Government Takes Action for Hostage Situation
Bhubaneswar: The government of Odisha has reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs, urging swift action for the safe return of a local man who has been taken hostage amid the ongoing civil unrest in Sudan.
This request follows appeals from the family of Adarsh Behera, who has been held captive by a group involved in the conflict.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has instructed senior officials to act promptly. The Director General of Intelligence has formally contacted the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate Adarsh's release.
Additionally, the state's Resident Commissioner in New Delhi has been in touch with the ministry to ensure coordination with the Indian Embassy in Sudan for timely updates and safe repatriation.
Majhi has reassured the family that all necessary steps are being taken to address the situation and has urged them to remain patient.
Adarsh Behera, aged 36, hails from Kotakana village in Jagatsinghpur district and has been employed at Sukarati Plastic Factory in Sudan since 2022. He was abducted last week and is currently in the hands of rebels.
His wife, Susmita Behera, reported receiving a call from him during which he informed her of his kidnapping. The abductors confiscated his mobile phone and personal items. He had mentioned that he would be released soon, but there has been no further communication.
Susmita, a mother of two young sons, has appealed to both state and central authorities for assistance.
"I have been told that my husband could be freed if the Indian Embassy or the Red Cross intervenes with the rebels. They have not requested any ransom," she stated.
Adarsh's father, Khetrabasi Behera, expressed concern, noting that the family has not heard from him in over a week.
In the meantime, Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and president of the BJD, has voiced his worries regarding the incident and called for government intervention.
"I am deeply troubled to learn that Adarsh Behera from Jagatsinghpur district has been kidnapped by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan's Al Fashir. I urge the Indian government and the Ministry of External Affairs to act urgently and coordinate with Sudanese officials for his prompt release," Patnaik shared in a post on social media.
Deeply concerned to know that Adarsh Behera from Jagatsinghpur District of #Odisha has been kidnapped by paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s Al Fashir. Urge Indian Government and the Ministry of External Affairs (@MEAIndia) to intervene into the matter with urgency…
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) November 4, 2025
Jagatsinghpur Superintendent of Police Ankit Kumar Verma confirmed that the Odisha police have notified both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs about the situation.
"We have had discussions regarding Adarsh Behera's abduction, and further talks are scheduled for Tuesday," the SP stated.
Family sources revealed that Adarsh has been working as a machine operator in Sudan since 2022 and was kidnapped at gunpoint in Al-Fashir, located approximately 1,000 kilometers from Khartoum.