TENKASI: Five Indian workers, hailing from Tenkasi and Thoothukudi districts, abducted in Mali more than 50 days ago have surfaced in separate video messages sent to their families, confirming that they are alive.
The videos, received on Tuesday, are the first proof of life since their abduction on November 6.
According to family members, the men said in the videos that they were safe but living in fear. They alleged that the company which recruited them for work in Mali had failed to take any steps for their rescue, despite being sent multiple messages.
The families said the workers appeared to be reading from a script and speaking cautiously, suggesting the footage may have been recorded under instructions.
The five men — Isakki Raja (36) from Muthukrishnapuram in Kadayanallur, Thalapathi Suresh (26) from Kanmaniyapuram, both in Tenkasi district, and Paechimuthu, Puthiyavan and Ponnuthurai from Kodiyankulam in Thoothukudi district — were employed in electricity transmission tower and power line projects in Mali.
They were abducted at gunpoint from the lodge where they were staying in the city of Kobri by an armed group. Mali is currently under military rule, with several regions controlled by armed groups linked to global terror networks. Disruption of fuel supply routes has led to shortages and economic strain.
Praveena, wife of Isakki Raja, and Murugesan, father of Thalapathi Suresh, said the videos brought relief that the men were alive but raised serious concern about their safety. “They appeared frightened and spoke in a controlled manner,” they said, appealing to the State and central governments to take efforts for their rescue.
The families had earlier approached Tenkasi district collector Kamal Kishore. MP Kanimozhi raised the issue in Parliament, while elected representatives met the families and assured support. The families urged the Union and Tamil Nadu governments to intensify efforts to secure the workers’ release.