Ganjam youth's abduction in Mali: Admin in touch with MEA

TWENTY-eight-year-old P Venkataraman's abduction at the hands of an Al-Qaeda linked terror group in Mali has left the family in throes of despair and fear of the unknown.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Berhampur

While the administration has swung into action, keeping contact with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Leader of Opposition and Hinjilicut MLA Naveen Patnaik has appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene and ensure the safe release of the abducted youth.

Venkataraman, who belongs to Samarjholo village under Hinjili police limits, was apparently abducted on July 1. He was working at the Diamond Cement Company's plant in the West African country for the last six months after being employed by Blue Star. He was in regular contact with his family until recently.