India-Origin Diamond Merchant Dhiru Ramani Released in Mali After Family Pays INR 44 Crore Ransom

A 75-year-old India-origin diamond merchant, allegedly kidnapped in Mali, has reportedly been released after his family paid a ransom of Euro 4 million, nearly INR 44 crore, to secure his freedom. Dhiru Ramani was kidnapped in April while in Mali, where he had recently acquired a gold mine and had been living for some time, according to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI).

How The Ransom Negotiations Unfolded

The kidnappers had initially demanded around Rs 100 crore for Ramani's release, but his family members, based in the US, managed to negotiate the amount down before eventually securing his release, sources told PTI. The family paid a ransom of Euro 4 million to free him last week in the West African country, the report said. Indian-Origin Man Gagandeep Singh Jailed for 34 Years in UK for Kidnap, Torture and Rape of Woman.

Ramani Still Being Questioned By Local Police

Ramani, who hails from Gujarat's Amreli district and is associated with the diamond trade in Surat, reportedly remains in Mali, where local authorities are questioning him following his release. "He has been released, but he is still in Mali. The local police are questioning him about his release and the circumstances surrounding it," a source told PTI.

The source added that Ramani's US-based family handled the negotiations entirely on its own, and no Indian government agency was involved in the process. ‘Did You Enjoy That’: Pakistani Asylum Seeker Jailed 10 Years for Raping ‘Particularly Vulnerable’ UK Teen in Park.

About The Diamond Businessman

Ramani originally belonged to Dhar village in Amreli district and has been associated with the diamond business since around 1980. He later moved to the United States, where his family is engaged in the international diamond trade.

Indian Embassy Had Issued A Security Advisory

Around the time of the alleged kidnapping in April, the Indian Embassy in Bamako, the capital of Mali, had issued a general security advisory urging Indian nationals living there to exercise caution. "Due to recent security developments and reported attacks in Kati and other parts of Mali, the Embassy of India in Bamako urges all Indian nationals residing in Mali to remain highly vigilant, exercise utmost caution, stay indoors, and strictly follow the instructions issued by the Malian authorities from time to time," the advisory, dated April 25, had said. The advisory did not refer to any specific incident or individual.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 02:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).