Berhampur, July 5: An Odia youth working in Mali, West Africa, P. Venkatraman, has reportedly been kidnapped by terrorists linked to Al-Qaeda. He is one of three Indian nationals abducted during a militant attack on the Diamond Cement factory on July 1.

Venkatraman, employed by Blue Star and posted at the cement plant for the past six months, had been in regular contact with his family until the company informed them of his alleged arrest. It was later confirmed that he had been taken hostage by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a jihadist group affiliated with Al-Qaeda.

Following this, the Venkatraman's mother filed a complaint with Hinjili police station, pleading for urgent intervention to ensure her son’s safe return.

The incident has sparked widespread anxiety in the local community, with appeals made to both the Odisha state government and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

"The incident occurred on July 1, when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages," the MEA said.

The MEA has condemned the abduction and assured that diplomatic and security channels are being actively pursued in coordination with Malian authorities to rescue the hostages.

This alarming incident highlights the growing threat of terrorism in Mali’s western region, where foreign workers—especially in industrial sectors—are increasingly targeted.

More details is awaited.

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