One of the two Indians kidnapped in Libya’s Sirte has managed to escape, according to reports received on Thursday by the Indian mission.
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Sources said both were working in Sirte and were detained at a checkpoint by the militants who were holding them.
Pravash Ranjan Samal from Odisha and Ramamurthy Kosanam from Andhra Pradesh were picked up from the Ibn-e-Sina Hospital in Sirte, where they worked. Notably, Sirte is now under the control of the Islamic State (IS) terror group. “The matter has also been taken up at diplomatic level”, he said, adding: “All efforts are being made to ensure the well-being and secure early release of our nationals”. Though he told he has been released, his voice was tense and edgy. However, his sister-in-law told the local TV channels that he had talk with her this afternoon and said that he has been conditionally released by the IS militants.
We are praying for his safe return.
In July, four Indian teachers were kidnapped in Libya allegedly by the Islamic terrorists and release of two of was secured by the government.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has asked the Resident Commissioner in Delhi to be in constant touch with Ministry of External Affairs to rescue the abducted Odia.
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As many as 39 Indians taken hostage in the Iraqi city of Mosul in June previous year continue to remain missing.
