Bhubaneswar, July 5, (Newshub Desk): A wave of concern has swept through Odisha’s Ganjam district after news broke that P. Venkataraman, a young man from Samarajhola village, has been abducted in Mali along with two other Indian nationals.
The kidnapping, carried out by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)—a terror group linked to Al-Qaeda—occurred on July 1 at the Diamond Cement Company in western Mali, where the victims were employed.
Venkataraman had been working with the firm for the past six months through a contractor, Blue Star.
His family, who were in regular contact with him, were shocked to receive a call reporting his arrest, later revealed to be a case of terrorist abduction. His distraught family promptly lodged an FIR at Hinjilicut police station, urging swift intervention.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly condemned the incident.
A spokesperson confirmed that diplomatic and security channels are being mobilised in coordination with Malian authorities to secure the hostages’ release.
While the identities of the other two abductees remain undisclosed, families and civil society in Odisha have rallied in support, demanding urgent action.
This attack underscores the rising threat to foreign workers in conflict-prone regions of West Africa, particularly those involved in industrial operations. As efforts intensify for their rescue, a nation watches and waits, hoping for their safe return.
