Mali: 2 Indian workers abducted; al-Qaeda-linked groups active in region

India Nov 09, 2025

Two workers from Tamil Nadu, Esakki Raja and M Thalapathi Suresh, were abducted by armed men in Mali on Saturday while working on a power project.
The region has seen growing danger for foreign workers as armed groups disrupt vital services, with some groups enjoying al-Qaeda's support.

Families urge government to take action

The families are urging both state and central governments to bring the men home safely—Raja's wife Praveena made an emotional appeal for action.
After the incident, other Indian workers at the site were relocated to Bamako, Mali's capital, as a safety measure.