Patnaik Urges Jaishankar for Safe Return of Odisha Youth Abducted in Mali

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday appealed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to personally intervene for the safe and early release of an Odisha youth reportedly abducted by militants in Mali, West Africa.

The youth, identified as 28-year-old P. Venkatraman, hails from Hinjili in Ganjam district—Patnaik’s own assembly constituency, from where he has been elected for six consecutive terms since 2000.

Patnaik’s appeal came after the victim’s mother filed a formal complaint at the Hinjili police station, reporting that her son, who had gone to Mali for employment, was allegedly abducted by an unidentified militant group.

In a letter to the External Affairs Minister, Patnaik expressed deep concern over the safety of Venkatraman and urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take immediate steps through diplomatic channels to ensure his release and safe return to India.

“The situation is distressing for the family. I request your personal intervention for coordinated efforts through the Indian Embassy and concerned authorities in Mali,” Patnaik wrote.

The incident has sparked concern in Odisha, especially in Ganjam district, as many youths from the region are employed abroad. Local leaders and residents have joined the family in appealing to the Centre for urgent action.

Officials from the MEA have yet to issue a public statement on the matter.