Surat: A 75-year-old Indian-origin diamond merchant with roots in Gujarat has reportedly been released after being held captive in the West African nation of Mali for several months. According to sources cited by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the release came after his family allegedly paid a ransom of Euro 4 million (around Rs 44 crore) following negotiations with the kidnappers.
The businessman, identified as Dhiru Ramani, was allegedly abducted in April while staying in Mali, where he had recently acquired a gold mine. Although he has been released, he reportedly remains in Mali, where local authorities are questioning him regarding the circumstances surrounding his abduction and release.
Kidnapped after expanding business in Mali
Dhiru Ramani, who originally hails from Dhar village in Gujarat’s Amreli district, has been associated with the diamond trade since around 1980.
Over the years, he expanded his business interests internationally and later settled in the United States, where his family is actively involved in the global diamond industry.
According to PTI, Ramani had recently invested in a gold mining venture in Mali and had been residing in the country for some time before he was allegedly kidnapped in April.
The kidnapping reportedly occurred amid growing security concerns in the West African nation, which has witnessed recurring incidents of violence and armed attacks in recent years.
Family negotiated reported ransom
Sources quoted by PTI said the kidnappers initially demanded approximately Rs 100 crore for Ramani’s release.
However, his family, which is based in the United States, reportedly negotiated with the abductors and succeeded in reducing the ransom amount before securing his release.
The family is said to have eventually paid Euro 4 million, equivalent to nearly Rs 44 crore, to obtain his freedom.
According to the report, the negotiations were conducted privately by the family, and no Indian government agency was directly involved in the process.
Local authorities questioning businessman
Although Ramani has been freed, he has not yet returned to India or the United States.
Sources said he remains in Mali, where local law enforcement authorities are questioning him about the details of the kidnapping and the events surrounding his release.
The questioning forms part of the local investigation into the alleged abduction and is expected to help authorities gather further information about the incident.
No official statement has yet been issued by Malian authorities regarding the investigation.
Indian Embassy had issued security advisory
Around the time Ramani was reportedly kidnapped, the Embassy of India in Bamako, the capital of Mali, issued a security advisory urging Indian nationals residing in the country to remain vigilant.
The advisory, dated April 25, warned of recent security developments and reported attacks in Kati and other parts of Mali.
The embassy advised Indian citizens to exercise utmost caution, remain indoors wherever possible and strictly follow instructions issued by the Malian authorities.
While the advisory highlighted the deteriorating security situation, it did not refer to any specific kidnapping or individual.
Mali continues to face security challenges
Mali has experienced prolonged political instability and security challenges over the past several years, with armed groups carrying out attacks in various regions of the country.
The volatile security environment has prompted several countries to issue travel advisories urging their citizens to exercise caution while travelling or residing in the region.
Businesspersons and foreign nationals involved in mining, infrastructure and commercial activities have occasionally faced heightened security risks in parts of the country.
Authorities continue to advise individuals living or working in such areas to remain alert and comply with local security instructions.
Investigation continues
While Dhiru Ramani’s reported release has brought relief to his family, questions remain regarding the circumstances of the alleged kidnapping and the identity of those responsible.
Local authorities in Mali are continuing their investigation, and further details are expected to emerge after official inquiries are completed.
The incident also highlights the security risks faced by businesspersons operating in conflict-affected regions and underscores the importance of adhering to official travel advisories and local safety guidelines.