Foreigner suspectedly kidnapped, Sushma seeks report from Odisha govt

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 28:

A Canadian national namely John Szlalzak was suspectedly kidnapped from Singamadugu forest in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh bordering Odisha on Monday evening.

Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has sought a report from Odisha government regarding the incident.

Swaraj also spoke to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over the reported abduction.

We are seized of the matter. I have asked for a report from Government of Odisha. https://t.co/RgHhZR7puW

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 28, 2017

I have spoken to Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister reg the reported abduction of a Canadian national in Koraput district of Odisha. https://t.co/MEvrLlu2TB

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 28, 2017

According to reports, John, who went on a bike ride into the forest, is suspected to have been kidnapped by the naxalites.

The Canadian had come to Chhattisgarh from Mumbai on March 14, reports added.

Chhattisgarh police have launched massive search operation to trace him.

A travel agent who had planned John’s trip is now in touch with Chhattisgarh police, sources said.

On the other hand, Odisha DGP KB Singh said all the police stations in the state bordering Chhattisgarh have been alerted and search is on to find him in case he is in Odisha.

“The Canadian is missing from the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border since last evening. He has given his locations. He is a biker and came from Mumbai to Chhattisgarh through Gadchiroli. We have got his latest location which is a village near Sukma. Chhatisgarh police is fully aware about the incident and they are trying to find him. We have alerted all our police stations bordering Chhatisgarh and they are also searching in case he is in our area,” said DGP KB Singh.