Odia Youth Abducted By Al-Qaeda In Mali Still Remains Untraced, Search Enters Second Month
Ramana went missing in early July, and they learned of his abduction through media reports days later: Family sources
BHUBANESWAR: An Odia youth allegedly abducted by Al-Qaeda terrorists in Mali remains missing over a month after his disappearance, deepening fears and anguish for his family back home in Odisha.
The youth, identified as M. Venkata Ramana, hails from Samarjhola village under the Hinjilicut block in Ganjam district.
According to family sources, Ramana went missing in early July, and they learned of his abduction through media reports days later.
“There has been no word from him since July 1. The last time we spoke was on June 30. The company he worked for initially told us that he had been picked up by the police. Later, when we saw news footage about his kidnapping, we called the company again. They told us not to speak to anyone and assured us that he would be back in a week. But it’s been a month, and there’s no sign of him,” said his mother, her voice choked with emotion.
Ramana had reportedly been working in Mali when he was abducted. His family is now desperately appealing to both the Odisha government and the Central government to intervene at the diplomatic level to ensure his safe return.
“We urge the authorities to take up the matter with urgency. We want our son back safely,” the family said.
Neighbours and villagers have also joined in expressing concern. “There’s been no update for weeks. The government must act quickly,” said a local resident.
