Ransom demand for Indian kidnapped in South Africa reduced

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Kidnappers of Indian restaurant owner Nidhin in Pretoria have agreed to reduce the Rs.10 million ransom they demanded for his release to Rs.4 million after negotiations with his friends.

Kerala’s Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy, who has taken up the case with the Indian government and has asked his friends in South Africa to help, told IANS that negotiations with the kidnappers are on. Nidhin hails from Wayanad town of the state.

“The kidnappers have by now contacted Nidhin’s home in Wayanad half a dozen times and they have agreed to reduce the ransom amount. I, on my part, have asked my friends in Johannesburg to see that they engage in talks with those who have taken Nidhin hostage and they have agreed to chip in, if a need arises,” Chandy said.

Nidhin, 27, was returning to his home in Pretoria from Johannesburg when he was kidnapped Monday night.

The kidnappers first called up his home in Wayanad hours after the kidnapping and asked his father to pay Rs.10 million, or his son would be killed.

“World Malayalee Council president Sunil Menon and another person, Madhu Kenya have already got in touch with the Indian embassy in South Africa and they are doing their best to see that Nidhin is released at the earliest,” Chandy added.

Meanwhile, there is gloom at Nidhin’s home in the hilly district of Wayanad, around 350 km from Thiruvanthapuram, and his father Baby, a retired school teacher, is praying for the safe and speedy release of his son.

His father got a call from the kidnappers Wednesday afternoon and he pleaded that they are a poor family.

“We are a poor family and we can raise just Rs.5 lakh (Rs.500,000) and that’s all what we can do. Please take that and release my son,” Baby appealed.

The Cyber Police here has found that the kidnappers are calling here through the internet.

Nidhin has been in Pretoria for the past six years and runs a restaurant there.