A businessman from Porbandar, who has been running a general store in Mozambique for the past 16 years, was abducted by armed assailants on the night of March 3. Despite multiple appeals to the Indian authorities, including the Home Minister and local leaders in Porbandar, there has been no update on his whereabouts, leaving his family in distress.
As per media report, the kidnapped individual, 36-year-old Vinay Sohanbhai Soneji, had been residing in Maputo, Mozambique, where he operated a general store named "Genagenad" for over a decade and a half. On the night of the incident, Vinay had closed his shop and was crossing the street with two Gujarati staff members and a security guard to reach his car. At approximately 8:10 PM, a vehicle suddenly arrived, from which two armed men stepped out and opened indiscriminate fire. Within seconds, they forcibly abducted Vinay and drove away.
Later that night, the kidnappers contacted their local associates and demanded a ransom of 3 million rupees. Vinay’s family and associates were reportedly willing to negotiate the payment but requested proof of his well-being by speaking to him over the phone. The abductors initially agreed, stating that they would arrange a call within half an hour. However, even after three days, no further communication has been established, deepening concerns over Vinay’s safety.
In a desperate attempt to seek help, Vinay’s family has reached out to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Members of Parliament, local legislators, the Porbandar District Collector, and senior police officials. Despite their repeated appeals, they have not received any reassuring response or concrete action from the authorities. The lack of progress in the case has intensified the family's anxiety as they wait for any news regarding Vinay’s condition and potential rescue.
