Indian-origin diamond businessman Dhiru Ramani has been released after spending nearly three months in captivity in Mali, following negotiations that reportedly ended with his family paying a ransom of €4 million (around ₹44 crore) to secure his freedom.

Ramani, 75, was freed along with two other Indian nationals—a cook and an electrician—who had been abducted with him while working at a gold mining project in the West African nation.

Following his release earlier this week, Ramani was taken to Bamako, where he underwent medical examinations. Officials said his condition is stable, although he remains in Mali while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping.

Kidnapped During Mining Project

Ramani was kidnapped in April by an unidentified armed group while overseeing operations at a gold mine he had recently acquired in Mali.

Originally from Dhar village in Gujarat's Amreli district, Ramani built his business career in Surat's diamond industry before later expanding into mining ventures in Africa.

According to reports, the kidnappers did not contact the family for nearly two months after the abduction. Security experts say such delays are often used by armed groups to increase pressure during ransom negotiations.

Ransom Negotiations

When communication was eventually established, the abductors reportedly demanded €10 million (around ₹100 crore) for Ramani's release.

According to family sources, negotiations intensified in the final stages, and the family first confirmed Ramani's safety through a video call before agreeing to pay €4 million.

Reports indicate that the negotiations were handled privately by Ramani's family, which is based in the United States, without direct involvement from Indian or US government agencies.

Despite the prolonged captivity, Ramani is said to have remained in relatively good health. The presence of a cook among the hostages reportedly ensured they received regular meals throughout their detention.

Security Situation in Mali

The kidnapping has once again highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Mali, where militant groups and criminal organisations have increasingly targeted foreign nationals involved in business and mining activities.

Around the time of Ramani's disappearance, the Indian Embassy in Bamako issued an advisory urging Indian citizens in Mali to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel and restrict movement because of rising militant activity.

From Diamonds to Mining

Ramani entered the diamond business in the early 1980s and became a well-known figure in Surat, one of the world's largest diamond processing hubs.

He later relocated to the United States, where his family diversified into natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and luxury jewellery.

About two years ago, he expanded into Mali's gold mining sector in search of new investment opportunities.

Malian authorities are continuing their investigation to identify those responsible for the abduction. Ramani is expected to return to the United States after completing legal formalities and receiving clearance from local authorities.