Surat Diamond Industrialist Dhiru Rmanai Freed After Three Months in Mali; Reports Say €4 Million Ransom Paid

Surat: Veteran Surat diamond industrialist Dhiru Ramani (75), who was abducted in Mali around three months ago, has been released, bringing relief to his family and the diamond industry. According to sources, a ransom of €4 million (about ₹44 crore) was paid for his release, although the kidnappers had reportedly demanded ₹100 crore.

Ramani, who had been overseeing a gold mining project in Mali for the past two years, was kidnapped along with two other Indian nationals, including his cook and an electrician. Family sources had earlier suspected the involvement of an extremist group linked to Al-Qaeda.

According to relatives, the family negotiated directly with the abductors after receiving proof that the three Indians were alive through a video call. A close family member claimed that no government agency or the Ministry of External Affairs was involved in the negotiations.

Ramani heads Ramani Export, has diamond operations in Surat, and owns CBD Diamond & Jewelry showrooms in New York. His release has brought relief to the global diamond community, particularly in Surat, where the incident had raised concerns among businesspersons with operations in high-risk African countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs has previously advised Indian nationals in Mali to remain vigilant due to the growing threat of kidnappings and security-related incidents. DeshGujarat