Bhubaneswar, July 5: In a deeply disturbing incident, a 28-year-old man from Odisha has reportedly been abducted by Al-Qaeda-linked militants in the Republic of Mali, West Africa. The victim, identified as P. Venkataramana from Samarajhola village in Ganjam district’s Hinjili block, was working at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes when armed militants carried out a coordinated attack on July 1.

According to reports, Venkataramana had been employed by Blue Star, a domestic company based in Mumbai, for the past six months. He was deputed to the Mali-based factory under company assignment. During the attack, he and two other Indian nationals were kidnapped by the militants.

Following the news, Venkataramana’s mother, P. Narasamma, filed a written complaint at Hinjilicut police station, pleading for her son’s safe return. The family attempted to contact him, but his phone was found switched off. A Blue Star company official called the family, advising them not to panic.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed grave concern over the abduction and is coordinating with the Malian government and local authorities. The Indian Embassy in Bamako is actively pursuing all channels to secure the safe and speedy release of the kidnapped individuals.

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