Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Indian Diamond Merchant Freed After Ransom Payment
A 75-year-old Indian diamond businessman named Dhiru Ramani was kidnapped in Mali while he was living there after acquiring a gold mine.
He was held captive for nearly three months.
His family, who live in the US, paid a ransom of 4 million euros to get him released.
The initial demand was much higher, around Rs 100 crore, but they negotiated it down.
After his release, Dhiru Ramani is still in Mali and is being questioned by local authorities.
The Indian Embassy in Mali had issued a security advisory around the time of the abduction, warning Indian nationals to be cautious due to recent security issues in the country.
Indian-origin diamond businessman Dhiru Ramani was abducted in Mali and held captive for nearly three months.
His family reportedly paid a ransom of 4 million euros (approximately Rs 44 crore) for his release.
Ramani, originally from Gujarat, remains in Mali for questioning by local authorities.
The abduction occurred while Ramani, who had acquired a gold mine, was living in Mali.
The Indian Embassy in Bamako issued a general security advisory for Indian nationals in Mali around the time of the abduction.
- Who
- Dhiru Ramani, a 75-year-old Indian-origin diamond businessman
- What
- Abduction and subsequent release after a ransom payment
- When
- April (abduction), July (release)
- Where
- Mali
- Why
- Unspecified reasons for abduction; ransom paid for release
Family's Decision to Pay Ransom
Government's Role in Negotiations
Negotiation Process
Family's Decision to Pay Ransom
The family handled the negotiations independently, paying a ransom of 4 million euros.
Government's Role in Negotiations
No Indian government agency was involved in the negotiation process.
- Victim's Name
- Dhiru Ramani
- Victim's Age
- 75
- Ransom Amount
- 4 million euros (approximately Rs 44 crore)
- Initial Ransom Demand
- Rs 100 crore
- Victim's Origin
- Amreli district, Gujarat, India
- Victim's Residence
- United States
- Location of Abduction
- Mali
- Duration of Captivity
- Nearly three months
Sources
Indian-origin diamond businessman Dhiru Ramani freed in Mali after family pays Rs 44 crore ransom
Indian diamond merchant abducted in Mali; freed after ransom payment
Indian-origin diamond merchant abducted in Mali, freed after family pays Euro 4 million ransom