5 Jharkhand Workers Abducted In Niger, CM Soren Appeals To Jaishankar For Help

Jharkhand: Five migrant workers from Jharkhand have reportedly been kidnapped in Niger, West Africa, triggering desperate pleas from their families for government intervention.

The workers, employed with Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL), were allegedly taken hostage after armed assailants stormed their worksite last week.

Armed Attack Leaves Dozens Dead

According to the migrant workers' family members, the incident occurred on April 25 when a group of criminals attacked the camp where they were stationed. The armed men kidnapped six individuals, including one local employee, at gunpoint. A firefight reportedly ensued between the attackers and security forces, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 personnel, according to a report by NDTV.

The abducted workers have been identified as Sanjay Mahato, Chandrika Mahato, Raju Mahato, Faljit Mahato, and Uttam Mahato—all residents of the Dondlo and Mundro Panchayats under Bagodar police station limits in Jharkhand's Giridih district. The families said they lost all contact with the workers after April 25, when their phones went unreachable.

Damodar Kumar, brother of kidnapped worker Faljit Mahato, told NDTV, "Some bike-borne criminals came on April 25 and took them away. Since then, their phones have been switched off." Sanjay Mahato’s wife also said that she last spoke to her husband at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 25, before losing all contact.

Jharkhand CM Seeks MEA’s Assistance

The incident has stirred political leaders into action. Former Bagodar MLA Vinod Kumar Singh visited the homes of the affected families and assured them that efforts were underway to ensure the workers’ safe return.

Local authorities, including Sub-Divisional Magistrate Narendra Prasad Gupta, said they have informed senior officials and are coordinating with the Overseas Cell. "The administration stands with the families and wishes for everyone's safety," Gupta told NDTV.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren also appealed to Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for immediate intervention. In a post on X, Soren urged, "Please provide help to our migrant brothers from Jharkhand who have been kidnapped in Niger."

Published on: Monday, April 28, 2025, 09:02 AM IST