Indian-origin diamond merchant abducted in Mali, freed after family pays Euro 4 million ransom

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Indian Origin Diamond Merchant Abducted in Mali: Ransom Paid for Safe Return

An Indian origin diamond merchant abducted in Mali has finally been freed after his family successfully negotiated and paid a substantial Euro 4 million ransom to the kidnappers. The 75-year-old businessman, Dhiru Ramani, was taken captive in April while residing in the West African nation where he had recently acquired a gold mining operation. According to multiple sources familiar with the situation, the family members based in the United States worked tirelessly to reduce the initial demand of approximately ₹100 crore before securing his safe release last week.

Details of the Kidnapping and Negotiation Process

The abduction of this prominent Surat-based diamond merchant occurred approximately three months ago when Ramani was traveling in Mali. Local authorities have since been questioning him regarding the circumstances surrounding his release and the events that transpired during his captivity. The family handled all negotiations independently without any involvement from Indian government agencies, demonstrating their commitment to resolving the situation swiftly and efficiently.

Ramani, who hails from Dhar village in Gujarat’s Amreli district, has been deeply involved in the international diamond trade since around 1980. After establishing himself in the business, he eventually relocated to the United States, where his family continues to operate in the global diamond market. His extensive experience and reputation in the industry made him a notable figure, which likely contributed to the significant ransom amount demanded by the abductors.

“He has been released, but he is still in Mali. The local police are questioning him about his release and the circumstances surrounding it,” a source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Security Advisory and Ongoing Developments

Around the time of the alleged kidnapping in April, the Indian Embassy in Bamako, the capital of Mali, issued a comprehensive security advisory for all Indian nationals residing in the country. The advisory specifically mentioned recent security developments and reported attacks in Kati and other regions of Mali. It urged Indian residents to remain highly vigilant, exercise utmost caution, stay indoors, and strictly follow instructions issued by Malian authorities from time to time.

While the advisory did not reference any specific incident or individual, it came at a crucial moment when the Indian origin diamond merchant abducted in Mali was still in captivity. The timing suggests that security concerns in the region were already escalating, making the situation even more critical for the kidnapped businessman and his family. The advisory served as a precautionary measure for all Indian nationals during this period of heightened tension.

The successful resolution of this case highlights the importance of family involvement in such situations and the effectiveness of direct negotiations. Ramani’s continued presence in Mali for local police questioning indicates that authorities are thoroughly investigating the incident to ensure all legal procedures are followed. This case has drawn attention to the security challenges faced by foreign nationals in certain regions of West Africa, particularly those engaged in business ventures such as mining and diamond trading.

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