Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Venkataraman’s brother-in-law said, “Venkat last called me on June 30. He worked at a cement factory in Mali, West Africa. He said the company had restricted their movement because terrorists were nearby. This kidnapping happened on July 1.”
Initially, the family was informed that Venkataraman was in police custody following a fire at the factory allegedly set by terrorists. However, they later learned that he had been abducted.
“We got a call from the company saying he and some others were in police custody because terrorists had set the factory on fire. But then international news reports claimed that al-Qaeda had kidnapped people. When we called the company to confirm, they asked us not to leak the information and said the terrorists were demanding ransom,” the brother-in-law said.
He added, “We waited for a few days and then approached the police. I also called and emailed the embassy but got no response. I demand that my brother-in-law be brought back home safely.”
Confirming the incident, Sub-Collector Shibashish Baral told ANI, “Information about the abduction was reported by the family, and the local administration immediately reached out to them. The government has been informed and is taking necessary steps.”The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed grave concern over the abduction of the three Indian workers from a factory in Mali’s Kayes region. In a statement on Wednesday, the MEA urged Malian authorities to ensure their “safe and expeditious” rescue.“It has come to the knowledge of the Government of India that many military and government installations at multiple locations in western and central Mali were attacked by terrorists on July 1,” the MEA said. The assault also targeted the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, where the Indian nationals were employed.
Calling the act “deplorable,” the MEA condemned the incident and reiterated India’s strong opposition to violence against its citizens abroad. It said the Indian embassy in Bamako is in “close and constant communication” with Malian authorities, law enforcement, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory, as well as with the families of the abducted individuals.
With inputs from ANI
