Odia Youth Abducted by Al-Qaeda-Linked Group in Mali

Bhubaneswar: An Odia youth from Ganjam district has reportedly been abducted by a terror group affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the West African nation of Mali. The victim, identified as P. Venkataraman of Samarajhola village in Hinjilicut block, is among three Indian nationals kidnapped during a series of terror attacks on July 1.

According to reports, Venkataraman was employed by a private firm, Blue Star, and had been deputed to work at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Mali. On July 1, coordinated attacks were carried out across western and central Mali, including at the cement factory premises, where terrorists reportedly abducted the Indian workers.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the abduction, stating that a militant group stormed the facility and forcibly took three Indian nationals hostage. While no group has officially claimed responsibility, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has claimed involvement in several attacks in the region on the same day.

Expressing deep concern, the Odisha government has initiated steps to facilitate the safe return of Venkataraman. Sources said that an official request has been sent to the African Embassy through the state’s Resident Commissioner, urging diplomatic intervention.

Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, who represents the Hinjilicut constituency in the Odisha Assembly, also voiced concern over the incident. Taking to social media, Patnaik appealed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to ensure the victim’s safe release. “Concerned to know that Panad Venkat Raman of Hinjilicut block of Ganjam district has been kidnapped by extremists in the African country Mali… Request Union Minister Shri @DrSJaishankar to intervene,” Patnaik posted on X (formerly Twitter).

In a statement, the Government of India condemned the incident and urged the Government of Mali to take all necessary measures for the safe and swift rescue of the abducted Indian nationals. The Indian Embassy in Bamako remains in close coordination with Malian authorities, local law enforcement, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory to secure their release.