Missing Canadian national safe in Chhattisgarh village

Bhubaneswar/Malkangiri: The Canadian national, who went missing in the forest close to the inter-state border of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, is reportedly safe at Kistaram village of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh.

Superintendent of Police, Sukma, Abhishek Meena on Tuesday informed that the police have traced the Canadian’s whereabouts and reasserted that he is present in an interior area of the district.

Apparently, Adivasis in the locality have detained the Canadian, John Szlazak, due to a communication problem on both sides.

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“Since this is an unknown area for John and he also has language problems, some villagers reportedly stopped him and inquired about his identity. He is safe and sound. We have sent some local traders inside to send a message that this man has no connection with the police or any Central agencies and that he is a neutral citizen of a foreign country and that he be allowed to go,” said the Sukma Superintendent of Police.

As the area is infested by Maoists, it was earlier suspected that he has been abducted by the red rebels.

Sources said John had gone to the village riding a bicycle. He had begun his journey from Mumbai on March 15 as planned by a city travel agent.