Jagatsinghpur Man Kidnapped in Sudan, Family Seeks Urgent Government Intervention

The family of 36-year-old Adarsh Behera, who has reportedly been taken hostage by the Rapid Support Forces, RSF, a paramilitary group in Sudan, is in a state of panic and has appealed to both the Odisha state government and the Central government for immediate action to secure his safe return.

Behera’s wife, Sasmita Behera, a resident of Kotakona village under Tirtol police limits, shared the family’s anguish, saying that her husband had gone to Sudan three years ago in search of employment opportunities. Since 2022, he had been working at Sukarati Plastic Factory in Sudan. “After his kidnapping, our family is in deep distress. I have two young children, aged nine and four, and there is no source of income. His abduction has left us helpless,” she said. Sasmita described the emotional toll on the family, emphasizing the fear and uncertainty that have gripped their household since the incident.

Adarsh’s father, Khetramohan Behera, along with other family members, has been living in constant anxiety, fearing for his son’s safety. The family has expressed frustration at the lack of clarity regarding his whereabouts and has urged authorities to take swift steps to negotiate his release.

The Sarpanch of Tarajanga panchayat, Ritanjali Mallika, expressed deep concern over the incident. “The entire village is anxious for Adarsh’s safety. His family is devastated, and we are all hoping that the government will take immediate steps to bring him back safely,” she said.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of Indian migrant workers in conflict zones abroad. Sudan has been experiencing political instability and ongoing conflicts between various armed groups, including the RSF, which has been involved in numerous violent clashes. Migrant workers, who travel abroad in search of better livelihoods, often face significant risks, including violence, abduction, and exploitation.

Local authorities in Jagatsinghpur and community members have been closely following developments, urging both state and central government officials to intervene. There is also growing concern over the lack of mechanisms to protect Indians working in high-risk regions abroad.

Family members hope that the government will act promptly to ensure Adarsh Behera’s safe return and provide support to the family during this difficult period. The community has rallied around the family, offering moral support and calling for urgent attention to the plight of migrant workers caught in dangerous situations overseas.