An Indian man has been kidnapped in war-torn Sudan by the rebel forces, which are known for being highly unpredictable. The man has been identified as 36-year-old Adarsh Behera, who had been living the conflict-ridden nation for nearly 4 years.
While not much is known about Behera, reports say he is originally from India's Odisha. His family, which includes a wife and kids, still stay there.
NDTV reported that the 36-year-old man had been working at a company called Sukarati Plastic Factory in Sudan.
An unverified video of Behera has also went viral on social media. He is seen surrounded by dozens of armed members of the rebel group called RSF.
"I am here in Al Fashir where the situation is very bad. I have been living here for two years with great difficulty. My family and children are very worried. I request the state (Odisha) government to help me," he said, as per NDTV.
Adarsh Behera's rescue?
Safety isn't assured for Adarsh Behera, but New Delhi seems to be actively working to bring him back. Sudan's Ambassador to India said the "militia is notorious for the atrocities that it can commit, but we hope that they will make sure that he's safe and sound."
"We, as a government, are ready to play any role in ensuring his safe return to India, and we'll cooperate with the Indian authorities. We'll offer everything that we can in order to ensure his return safely to India," Ambassador Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom said.
According to United Nations figures, more than 36,000 civilians have fled towns and villages in the Kordofan region between October 26 and last Friday, while the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces warned it was amassing along a new front line.
Sudan's conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced nearly 12 million more and created the world's largest displacement and hunger crises.
