Diamond trader Dhiru Ramani allegedly kidnapped in Mali | Surat News

Surat: The alleged kidnapping in Mali of 75-year-old Gujarati diamond businessman Dhiru Ramani has sent shockwaves through Diamond City and the wider gems and jewellery trade in Gujarat. Ramani, who expanded from diamonds into gold mining in the West African nation, was allegedly kidnapped three months ago with two other Indians—his cook and an electrician.Sources close to the family said the kidnapping is believed to have been carried out by an Al Qaida-linked terror group. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of Rs 100 crore for the release of the three men. Ramani’s family is said to be in talks with the kidnappers in an effort to secure their safe return.“There is no option but to negotiate the ransom and bring back the victims. We are trying on our own and have not involved any government,” a relative of Ramani said, requesting anonymity.According to the relative, the kidnappers arranged video calls between Ramani and his family to demonstrate that the victims are alive. The Ramani family, which is based in the United States, has been handling negotiations and communications related to the case.Ramani’s family has long-standing interests in the diamond trade, while he ventured into gold mining a few years ago. He invested in a gold mining project in Mali and had been active on the ground there for the past two years, overseeing work and operations linked to the venture.He was monitoring the project when he was allegedly kidnapped by unidentified persons. Details regarding the exact location and circumstances of the kidnapping remain unclear, and there has been no official confirmation from authorities about the matter.The case heightened anxiety among business circles in Surat, particularly those with overseas investments or operations in high-risk regions, as traders await updates on the fate of Ramani and the two other Indian nationals.The external affairs ministry had recently issued an advisory of caution for Indians working in Mali after kidnappings were reported.