Families of five men from Tamil Nadu abducted in Mali have appealed to the government for immediate intervention, as efforts continue at the diplomatic level to secure their release.
The men — identified as Puthiyavan from Kodiyankulam, Ponnudurai from Narayakinaru, Pechimuthu from Vepankulam, Isaakraja from Muthu Krishnapuram near Kadai Nallur, and Thalpathi Suresh from Puthukudi — were reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint on November 6 while working on a power tower installation project.
The abducted workers had been employed by the Mumbai-based firm Troying Rail Lighting, which is engaged in an electrification project near Kouri in Mali.
According to reports, armed groups linked to terror outfits stormed their worksite and took them captive.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the abduction and said the Indian Embassy in Bamako is working “closely with Malian authorities and the company concerned” to ensure their safe return.
“The Embassy is aware of the unfortunate incident of kidnapping of five of our nationals on 6 Nov 2025. The Embassy has been working closely with the authorities and the company concerned to secure their safe release as quickly as possible,” the Indian Embassy in Mali posted on X, tagging @MEAIndia and @PMOIndia.
Sources in New Delhi said the Indian mission remains in constant touch with Malian security agencies, while the MEA is coordinating with international partners familiar with the volatile Sahel region. “All necessary efforts are being made to secure their release at the earliest,” the ministry said.
Back home, the families of the kidnapped men have been living in fear. Relatives of three of the abducted workers — Puthiyavan, Ponnudurai, and Pechimuthu — met the Thoothukudi District Collector on Monday, pleading for urgent government intervention.
“My husband went to Mali for work because of family necessity. We have two children, and now we are scared for his life as the abductors have reportedly demanded $30 million,” said Kaliyammal, wife of Pechimuthu. “We met our MLA and have petitioned the Collector seeking their rescue.”
Puthiyavan’s nephew Maharajan said the families were informed about the abduction on Friday. “We are being told that they are safe, but we don’t know where they are. We urge the State and Central Governments to rescue them quickly,” he said.
“My father used to call every day. He last spoke to us on Tuesday. On Friday, we were told he had been abducted. All their phones are switched off,” added Suganthi, daughter of Ponnudurai.
Political leaders in Tamil Nadu have urged swift action. PMK president Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss called for urgent steps from both the State and Central Governments, noting that “their poverty forced them to go to a dangerous country for low-paying jobs.” He added, “Considering their families’ welfare, it is both urgent and essential to swiftly rescue them.”
Mali, one of West Africa’s most unstable nations, has long grappled with violence from armed jihadist groups. Foreign workers, especially in central and northern Mali, are often targeted for ransom by such groups.
Indian officials said they continue to monitor the situation closely and remain “fully committed” to securing the safe release of the five abducted workers.
