• Source:JND
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An Indian national working in Sudan has been kidnapped by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia amid escalating violence in the war-torn African nation. A video received by NDTV shows 36-year-old Adarsh Behera, a resident of Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district, sitting between two armed RSF soldiers in what appears to be a tense and controlled setting.

Behera appeared visibly anxious as one of the RSF fighters asks him, “Do you know Shah Rukh Khan?” Another soldier prompts him to say “Dagalo good”, referring to Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemeti, the powerful and feared commander of the RSF.

According to NDTV sources, Behera was reportedly abducted from Al Fashir, located about 1,000 kilometres from Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. He has been allegedly taken to Nyala, a stronghold of the RSF and the capital of South Darfur.

Family Appeals For Help From Odisha Government

Behera’s family in Jagatsinghpur told NDTV that he had been working since 2022 at a local firm, the Sukarati Plastic Factory. His wife, Susmita Behera, said the family is devastated and has appealed to both the Odisha and central governments for immediate intervention.

In a video message sent earlier, Behera was seen with folded hands pleading for assistance, “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 government to help me.” The couple has two young sons, aged eight and three.

Conflict In Sudan Escalates; ICC Warns Of War Crimes

Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF has continued to devastate the country since the conflict erupted in April 2023. More than 13 million people have been displaced.

In March this year, SAF forces briefly recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum, but an RSF drone strike killed a military spokesperson and three Sudan TV journalists covering the advance. Meanwhile, clashes in North Darfur between the RSF and the Darfur Joint Protection Force left more than 100 RSF fighters dead, with several vehicles destroyed and captured.

The RSF, known for its brutal raids on camelback and pickup trucks, has tightened its grip on Al Fashir after an 18-month siege. The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday warned that the militia’s actions could amount to war crimes, following reports of mass killings and sexual violence in the region.

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Sudan’s Ambassador to India, Dr Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, said to NDTV that communication in Al Fashir remains completely cut off. “We hope he is not harmed in any way. The situation is unpredictable, but we are working with the necessary channels. We sincerely hope he will return safely soon,” the envoy said.

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As of now, Indian authorities are yet to issue a formal statement on the abduction. Efforts are reportedly underway to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Khartoum and Sudanese officials to locate and secure Behera’s release.

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