Urgent Plea for Safe Return: Odisha's Naveen Patnaik Appeals for Help in Abduction Case

Naveen Patnaik Seeks Government Intervention

Bhubaneswar/Berhampur: On Saturday, BJD leader Naveen Patnaik reached out to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging him to take immediate action for the safe return of an Odisha resident reportedly kidnapped by militants in Mali.

This appeal followed a complaint lodged by the mother of 28-year-old P. Venkatraman at a police station in Hinjili, located in the Ganjam district.

Venkatraman hails from Patnaik's constituency, where he has been elected for six consecutive terms since 2000.

In a post on X, Patnaik expressed his concern, stating, "I am troubled to learn that P. Venkatraman from Hinjilicut block has been abducted by extremists in Mali. His family is in distress as he has been unreachable. I urge Union Minister @DrSJaishankar to personally ensure his swift and safe release."

The situation came to light when Venkatraman's mother, P. Narasama, reported her inability to contact her son, who is employed at a cement factory in Mali.

"I am extremely worried about my son's safety and have appealed to the government for his release," said Narasama, who is a widow.

Vishal Gagan, the Principal Resident Commissioner of Odisha in New Delhi, mentioned, "We are in close contact with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy regarding this matter and await their guidance."

Following the emergence of a social media video about the alleged kidnapping, the Resident Commissioner's office reached out to the Indian Embassy in Mali for urgent assistance.

Narasama noted that her last conversation with her son was on June 30, after which his phone has been turned off.

"We are deeply concerned for Venkatraman's safety, fearing he may be held hostage by terrorists. The government must act swiftly to ensure his return," stated M. Ram Krushna, a relative.

India has expressed grave concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals in Mali amidst a surge of violence in the region.

In a statement released on July 2, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed, "The incident occurred on July 1 when armed assailants executed a coordinated attack at the factory, taking three Indian nationals hostage."

"The Indian government strongly condemns this heinous act and urges the Malian authorities to take all necessary actions to secure the prompt and safe release of the abducted individuals," it added.