Diplomatic efforts lead to safe return of Odia youth from Sudan; CM thanks MEA

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for ensuring the safe return of Adarsha Behera, an Odia youth who had been stranded in war-torn Sudan.

 Adarsha had gone missing from El Fasher city in Sudan, triggering concern among his family members as well as state authorities. After learning about the incident through media reports, the Chief Minister immediately directed senior state officials to take swift and appropriate action.

 Acting on his instructions, the Director General of the State Intelligence Department wrote to the MEA seeking urgent intervention to facilitate Adarsha’s return. The Resident Commissioner of Odisha in New Delhi also contacted the MEA, urging close coordination with the Indian Embassy in Sudan to trace Adarsha’s whereabouts and ensure his safe repatriation.

 Following sustained efforts by the central government in coordination with Indian diplomatic officials, Adarsha was rescued with the assistance of international mediators and brought back to India safely. Throughout the process, constant communication was maintained with the Indian Ambassador in Sudan.

 Adarsha had reportedly been working at a plastic manufacturing company in Sudan’s Darfur region since 2022. However, as fighting intensified and the security situation deteriorated, he was left stranded in the conflict-hit area.

 Last month, Adarsha had appealed for help through a video message, stating that he was trapped due to the ongoing civil war and seeking evacuation. Shortly thereafter, he was allegedly abducted from his workplace by members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), an armed group operating in the region.