A 36-year-old Indian national has been taken by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al Fashir, Sudan, amidst the nation’s ongoing civil war. This conflict has plunged the country into a crisis, contributing to the world’s largest humanitarian disaster. Sudan’s ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, has assured that diplomatic efforts are underway to secure the safe return of the abducted Indian.
The RSF recently gained control of Al Fashir, which had been the military’s last stronghold in Darfur. The city was under siege for 18 months, with the RSF blocking essential supplies like food for thousands of residents.
The abducted Indian national has been identified as Adarsh Behera. He was reportedly taken from Al Fashir, a city located about 1,000 kilometers from the capital, Khartoum.
**Who is Adarsh Behera?**
Adarsh Behera, aged 36, was kidnapped by the RSF from Al Fashir and is believed to have been transported to Nyala, another RSF stronghold in South Darfur. Sources indicate that Behera hails from the Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha. He had relocated to Sudan three years ago to work at the Sukarati Plastic Factory. His wife shared with media that the couple has two young sons, aged eight and three.
A video circulating online reportedly shows Behera seated between two RSF soldiers, with one of them engaging him in conversation.
**Sudan Envoy’s Reaction**
In statements made to the press, Sudan’s ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring Behera’s safe return. He acknowledged the reports of the abduction but mentioned they were still verifying the details, adding a prayer for Behera’s safety. The ambassador described the RSF as a militia known for its atrocities and reiterated the government’s readiness to cooperate with Indian authorities to facilitate Behera’s safe homecoming. He also characterized the situation in Sudan as “very unpredictable.”
**The Sudan War**
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 150,000 fatalities and displaced approximately 12 million people. The capture of Darfur by the RSF has led to widespread reports of mass killings, sexual violence, looting, and kidnappings. The war initially broke out in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the Sudanese military leadership and the RSF.