How Did an Odisha Man Get Rescued from Sudan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bhubaneswar, Dec 17 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his gratitude on Wednesday to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the successful rescue of Adarsh Kumar Behera from Odisha, who had found himself stranded in the African nation of Sudan.
Behera, a resident of Kotakana village in the Tirtol area of Jagatsinghpur district, had been employed in Sudan as a plastic operator since 2022.
Last month, his family received distressing news that he had gone missing in Sudan. His wife recounted to the media that she had spoken with him during a call in which he revealed he was trapped.
During attempts to flee the war-torn area with his employer, Behera and two others were abducted by rebels. Upon hearing of his disappearance, Chief Minister Majhi conveyed his serious concern.
In response, state officials reached out to the MEA, urging immediate action for Behera’s safe extraction from Sudan.
Behera, who was held captive in El Fasher city of North Darfur State, was ultimately rescued by the MEA with the help of international partners.
Additionally, the Resident Commissioner of Odisha in New Delhi contacted the MEA, requesting updates on Behera's condition and ensuring his safe return with the support of the Indian Embassy in Sudan.
Thanks to the diligent efforts of the Government of India, Behera returned home to Odisha and received a warm welcome at Bhubaneswar Airport on Wednesday.
Upon his return, Behera shared, “As the conflict intensified, I was trying to reach a safer location with my employer. Unfortunately, I was kidnapped by approximately 15 to 20 RSF (Rapid Support Forces) rebels who held me captive for about three days in a jungle. They imprisoned me for over a month and a half without access to electricity or sanitation.”
He further revealed that the rebels provided him with only one biscuit daily, forced him to consume beef, and pressured him to convert to Islam.