Naveen Patnaik Urges Jaishankar’s Intervention for Safe Release of Odisha Man Abducted in Mali

Leader of Opposition and BJD President Naveen Patnaik has sought the personal intervention of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for the safe release of P. Venkatraman, a 28-year-old man from Hinjilicut block in Ganjam district, who has reportedly been abducted by extremists in Mali, West Africa.

Venkatraman, employed at a cement factory in Mali, has been missing for several days. His family last heard from him before his suspected abduction. Concerned over the situation, his mother lodged a missing and suspected abduction complaint at her local police station in Ganjam on Friday.

Naveen Patnaik, who has represented Hinjilicut Assembly segment for over two decades, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his concern:

“Concerned to know that Panad Venkat Raman of Hinjilicut block of Ganjam district has been kidnapped by extremists in the African Country Mali. He has remained incommunicado since then, leaving his family in deep agony. Request Union Minister (@MEABharat) Shri @DrSJaishankar to personally intervene in the matter and secure his early and safe release.”

Growing Concern Over Indian Workers in Conflict Zones

Mali has witnessed a surge in extremist violence in recent years, making it one of the high-risk zones for foreign workers. Venkatraman is among several Indian nationals working in African nations, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Family members say Venkatraman moved to Mali for better livelihood opportunities but had earlier raised concerns about growing instability in the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not yet issued a formal statement on the matter. However, sources indicate that the Indian Embassy in Bamako, Mali, is in touch with local authorities and is trying to gather more information about Venkatraman’s whereabouts.

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