Abducted Indian National Rescued in Nigeria With MEA’s Help

Kamalendu Ghosh, a high-level executive working in Dangote Group had been abducted in Abuja, Nigeria.

File image for representation. (Photo: iStock/Altered by The Quint)

Kamalendu Ghosh, a high-level executive working in Dangote Group, was abducted last week in Dangote Plant in Obajana, Nigeria. Dibendu Ghosh, elder brother of Kamalendu Ghosh, who is based in Lusaka, Zambia tweeted about the incident on 8 April, seeking for an urgent intervention by the Indian government. The Quint immediately contacted Dibendu to gather further details of his brother’s kidnapping.

Dibendu Ghosh’s tweet asking for intervention to release his brother from the kidnappers.

It is unknown exactly when Kamalendu Ghosh was kidnapped. Dibendu Ghosh told The Quint that he received the call from Dangote on 8 April, informing him of his brother’s abduction. At that time, the company was negotiating with the kidnappers.

It was until The Quint had contacted the Indian locals in Abuja, The High Commission of India, Abuja were informed of Kamalendu Ghosh’s kidnapping on Saturday. The Indian officials immediately established a contact with the Dangote Group and with Kamalendu Ghosh’s family in India.

Dibendu Ghosh said the Indian officials gave Kamalendu’s family an hourly update of the progress of his release. On 10 April, Dibendu Ghosh was informed that his brother was at the Inspector General’s Office. The agreement of the release, and whether Kamalendu will go back to India, is not known.

Debendu Ghosh was relieved to hear about his brother’s release. He appreciated the support from the African authorities, Indian High Commision of Abuja and Dangote group at helping the family in this difficult time.

We are very relieved with the information of the release. The company was very supportive throughout and kept them informed of their efforts. We have no idea of any terms of release. The High Commission at Abuja was in touch with us on an hourly basis. As an Indian residing abroad, we felt very supported. Whatever we say in support of the company and High Commission at Abuja, will be less. Also, African authorities supported us in this difficult hour. The misguided Indians need to appreciate this.

Dibendu Ghosh told <b>The Quint</b>

Dipendu Ghosh also thanked The Quint for the sensitivity in reporting the matter.

Ghosh previously worked as Chief Operating Officer of Cargo Division at Associated Bus Company Plc in Nigeria. He has had experience in cargo, marketing, management over a span of 19 years in Sky Pak Couriers, Blue Dart Express and Tatkal Cargo. Ghosh holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics.

Previously, on 29 June 2016, two Indians were abducted in Boko, near Makurdi in Benue State Nigiera. Mangapudi Srinivas and Kaushal Anish Sharma were on their way to Dangote Cement Plant in a car when armed men abducted them as per a report in Indian Express. At that time, former MEA spokesperson, Vikas Swarup said there was no hand of Boko Haram, and it seemed local criminal elements were responsible for the act.

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