An Odia youth from Samarjhola village in Ganjam district has been kidnapped in the West African nation of Mali.
The victim, identified as P. Venkat Raman, was reportedly abducted from the Diamond Cement factory in Mali, where he was employed under a private company named Blue Star.
Family sources reveal that Venkat Raman had regular communication with them until June 30, when his phone was found switched off. Soon after, the company informed his mother that he had been “taken into custody,” prompting fears of abduction by local militant groups. Initial reports suggest involvement of the Al-Qaeda-linked extremist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).
In response, the Odisha government has swung into action. The state’s Resident Commissioner has already initiated contact with the Indian Embassy, and the Mo Parivar department has been instructed to maintain communication with the family and relevant authorities.
Efforts are also underway between the Indian and Malian governments through diplomatic and security channels. The incident has sparked concerns over the growing militant presence in northern and western Mali, a region frequently afflicted by extremist violence.
Social organisations and family members have demanded swift action to ensure Venkat Raman’s safe return, and officials remain optimistic as coordination continues at multiple levels.
