Odisha CM Hails Safe Return of Jagatsinghpur Youth from Sudan

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday expressed happiness over the safe return of Adarsh Kumar Behera, a resident of Jagatsinghpur district, who had been held hostage in Sudan for over a month.

Behera, who was abducted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan’s Darfur region, arrived at Bhubaneswar airport today, bringing immense relief and joy to his family and well-wishers.

According to official sources, the Odisha government remained in constant touch with Behera’s family throughout the crisis and took all necessary steps to ensure his safe return. The state government had formally written to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) seeking intervention after receiving information about his abduction.

The Indian Embassy in Sudan, in coordination with the MEA and with the support of international mediators, worked continuously to secure Behera’s release.

Taking to social media platform X, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said it was a matter of immense joy that the young Odia had returned safely to his homeland. He stated that the state government treated the matter with utmost seriousness from the moment Behera’s disappearance came to light and maintained close coordination with the Centre to ensure his rescue.

The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to the Union Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Sudan for their swift and effective efforts. He reaffirmed that the safety and well-being of every Odia, whether within the state or abroad, remains a top priority of the Odisha government.

“In times of crisis, we are always and forever by the side of our people,” the Chief Minister said.