The family of P Venkataraman, an Indian national from Odisha’s Ganjam district abducted by an al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group in Mali, has revealed that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom in exchange for his release.
Venkataraman, who worked at a cement factory in Mali’s Kayes region, is among three Indian workers abducted during a terror attack on July 1. His brother-in-law shared that Venkataraman had last called on June 30, informing the family that the company had restricted workers from leaving the premises due to the presence of terrorists in the area.
“Initially, the company told us that he was in police custody after terrorists set fire to the factory. Later, we learned that he was kidnapped, and the company asked us not to disclose the information,” the brother-in-law told ANI. “They said the terrorists are demanding ransom for their release.”
After receiving no official updates for days, the family reported the matter to local police and contacted the Indian embassy but said they had not received a response. “We just want him to be brought back home safely,” the relative added.
Responding to the situation, Sub-Collector Shibashish Baral confirmed that the local administration has been in touch with the family and that the government is taking appropriate steps.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the abduction and said the Indian embassy in Mali’s capital Bamako is working closely with local authorities and the cement factory’s management to ensure the safe and swift rescue of the abducted Indian nationals.
The attack occurred at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, one of several coordinated assaults on government and military installations across western and central Mali on July 1.
Calling the incident “deplorable,” the MEA reaffirmed India’s firm stance against acts of terrorism targeting its citizens abroad and assured that all efforts are being made to secure the workers’ release.
