Canadian cyclist missing in India, reports
John Szalak, reports say, has been missing since Tuesday, March 28.
According to state police in Chhattisgarh, India, a Canadian cyclist, John Szalak, has been missing since Tuesday, March 28.
The Indian Express broke the story early this week.
As reports suggest, Szalak, who had been riding across various regions of India, likely ventured too far into the Maoist-controlled “stronghold” of Kistaram, located in south Sukma. Chhattisgarh police told the Indian Express that Szalak was “stopped by Maoists and dalam members to enquire about his presence in the area.”
Immediately, suspicions concerning a possible abduction were raised. Police in the Chhattisgarh region of India, however, expressed hope that Szalak would be “released” within a couple of days. Still, Szalak hasn’t been heard from since, apart from a beacon activated earlier this week. “The Canadian national has an emergency button with him,” said DM Awasthi, Special Director General with India’s police, “which was activated on Monday, and he sent out a distress signal.”
“His last location’s coordinates was in Singamadgu forests,” Awasthi added, describing a known location in the south Sukma region.
By the reports of other Indian authorities, a larger police force has yet to be sent to the region to further investigate. “Given the sensitivity of the issue,” said P. Sundar Raj, Inspector-General for the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, “we have not sent any police parties to the area where we believe he is. We have asked other locals and contacts to find out the details.” Those active in the Singamadgu forests, reports say — mostly local traders and forest officials — have been instructed to inform Maoists that Szalak has no connections with the Indian government, and is, in fact, a “neutral visitor.”
While in constant contact with India’s government, the Canadian embassy, the Indian Express reported, could provide little information due to privacy laws.
