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Kidnapped Indian national dies in Afghanistan
An Indian national kidnapped in Afghanistan four months back has died in captivity but the exact cause is not yet known. 38-year-old Simon Paramanathan, who was working as a chef in an Italian food company Fiano in Herat province, was abducted on October 13 last year by a terrorist outfit identifying itself as 'Mujahideen'. The abductors had initially demanded a ransom of $150,000 for his release.
An Indian national kidnapped in Afghanistan four months back has died in captivity but the exact cause is not yet known.
38-year-old Simon Paramanathan, who was working as a chef in an Italian food company 'Fiano' in Herat province, was abducted on October 13 last year by a terrorist outfit identifying itself as 'Mujahideen'.
The abductors had initially demanded a ransom of USD 150,000 for his release.
Afghan authorities have informed the Indian Embassy in Kabul that Paramanathan, who hails from Villupuram in Tamil Nadu, has died, sources said today.
His body, however, has not been found, making it difficult to ascertain whether he died a natural death or was killed, they said.
"The exact cause of death can be known only after the body is recovered and a post-mortem done," the sources said.
Indian Embassy in Kabul and Consulate in Herat are in touch with Afghan authorities to seek more details about the incident.
Paramathan was working as a chef with the Italian food company, which serves Italian soldiers in Afghanistan. He had gone to the troubled country a year ago, the sources said.
