1 day ago
Oman Examines Ransom Calls in Missing Indian Captain Case
Ashish Kumar was an Indian merchant navy captain who disappeared after an attack on a ship.
His family received calls asking for Rs 20 lakh.
They also said his mobile phone sometimes appeared to be active.
Very badly burned remains were found, but officials in Muscat could not test them properly for DNA.
Because there is no conclusive DNA match, Kumar’s wife believes he might still be alive.
She asked India’s Supreme Court for more investigation.
The Indian government said Oman is checking the ransom calls and other concerns.
The court will hear the case again after the petitioner’s lawyer obtains the government’s report.
The Centre told the Supreme Court that Oman is examining ransom calls reportedly received by Ashish Kumar’s family after his disappearance.
Kumar disappeared after a drone or missile attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
Severely burned remains recovered from the vessel could not be DNA-profiled by Muscat authorities.
Kumar’s wife, Anshu Kumari, says he could still be alive and has sought intensified efforts to locate him.
The family reportedly received multiple ransom calls in March demanding Rs 20 lakh, while Kumar’s mobile phone allegedly showed activity.
- Who
- Indian merchant navy captain Ashish Kumar, his wife Anshu Kumari, the Centre, and authorities in Oman are involved.
- What
- The Supreme Court is considering a petition seeking efforts to trace Kumar and investigate ransom calls, mobile-phone activity, and unidentified burned remains.
- Where
- Kumar disappeared after an attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz; related inquiries are being conducted by authorities in Muscat, Oman.
- When
- The matter was heard on Monday; Kumar’s family said the ransom calls were received in March.
- Why
- The family received alleged ransom calls and says the burned remains could not be conclusively matched to Kumar through DNA testing.
Family’s concerns
Government and authorities’ response
Whether Kumar may still be alive
Family’s concerns
Anshu Kumari says Kumar could still be alive because the remains were not conclusively identified and the family received alleged ransom calls.
Government and authorities’ response
The Centre reported that severely burned remains believed to be Kumar’s were recovered, but acknowledged that Muscat authorities could not conduct DNA profiling.
Ransom calls and phone activity
Family’s concerns
The family reported multiple calls in March demanding Rs 20 lakh and raised concerns that Kumar’s mobile phone appeared active and its display picture changed.
Government and authorities’ response
The Centre said Oman is examining the ransom-call claims and that India’s Embassy in Muscat had reported the mobile-phone concerns to its counterpart.
Further investigation
Family’s concerns
The family has sought intensive efforts to trace Kumar, track the phones, and examine related records.
Government and authorities’ response
The Centre said Muscat authorities were examining the matter and taking steps within their capacity.
Key facts
- Person involved
- Ashish Kumar, an Indian merchant navy captain
- Petitioner
- Kumar’s wife, Anshu Kumari
- Reported ransom demand
- Rs 20 lakh
- DNA examination
- Severely burned remains could not be analysed for DNA matching
- Location of inquiry
- Muscat, Oman
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Next step
- The matter was posted for further hearing on Monday after the petitioner’s counsel obtains the Solicitor General’s report
Quotes
Tushar Mehta
Solicitor General representing the Centre before the Supreme Court
“The bones which were recovered were so burnt that they could not be analysed for DNA matching purposes”
rediff.com
“Our Embassy in Muscat has reported this fact to their counterpart”
rediff.com
Sources
Related news
Supreme Court Asks Centre To Trace Missing Ship Captain
Indian Captain's Wife Missing After Ship Attack
Two Indian seafarers missing after Black Sea attack remain untraced
Black Sea attack victim's remains reach Kanpur as family protests
Chevron Plans $7 Billion Venezuela Expansion Amid U.S. Oil Push
Saudi Arabia Says Iranian Tanker Attack Killed Two Sailors
U.S.-Iran Exchange Escalates Across Middle East, Markets Slide
Trump Aides Seek Quiet Iran War Before Midterm Elections
US Warns Middle East Travelers Amid Escalating Iran-Linked Tensions
