Immediately after learning that her husband was in danger, she reached out to the authorities for his rescue. She wrote to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, urging immediate action.
Published Mar 26, 2025 | 8:32 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 26, 2025 | 8:32 AM
The family of Rajeendran Bhargavan fights for his release from African sea pirates.
Synopsis: Rajeendran Bhargavan, a native of Gopalpetta in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, is being held hostage by African sea pirates after he was abducted from a ship, along with nine others. His nine-month pregnant wife is fighting to ensure his safe return.
Vani Rajeendran, a native of Gopalpetta in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, was counting down the days to welcome her newborn. Until the night of 17 March, life was filled with excitement, last-minute preparations, and warm conversations with her husband, Rajeendran Bhargavan (35), who worked aboard a private ship.
Their four-year-old child, too, eagerly awaited the new arrival, sharing joy and anticipation.
Like countless women whose husbands work far from home, Vani embraced both the happiness and the challenges of their long-distance life, holding on to the hope that he would soon return to complete their family’s moment of love and togetherness.
Even in the final trimester of her pregnancy, she remained strong, meticulously preparing for the birth while staying connected with her husband through calls, making him a part of every little decision.
That night, she slept peacefully, unaware that it would be the last restful night before her world turned upside down. On 18 March, a call shattered her reality, Maritec Tanker Management Pvt Ltd, her husband’s employer, informed her that BITU River, the ship her husband was aboard, had been hijacked.
In an instant, the joy of impending motherhood was replaced by fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak. A woman ready to bring new life into the world found herself grappling with the terrifying possibility of losing the love of her life.
The cargo vessel, which was travelling from the port of Lome in Africa to Cameroon, was hijacked by sea pirates who took ten crew members before abandoning the ship.
Immediately after learning that her husband was in danger, she reached out to the authorities for his rescue. She wrote to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, urging immediate action.
“I never imagined, even in my worst nightmares, that my husband would face such a fate. The moment I heard the news, the only thing I could do was alert the authorities. I have written to the Union Minister, Chief Minister, MLAs, and MPs, seeking their intervention,” Vani told South First.
“This unexpected and terrifying incident has left our family in extreme distress. We have received no concrete information about my husband’s whereabouts, or the efforts being made for his safe release. The uncertainty and lack of updates are causing immense anxiety and emotional trauma for our family,” she added.
The advanced stage of pregnancy is adding to her emotional and physical strain. Her husband has been working with Maritec Tanker Management Pvt Ltd, based in Mumbai, for the past four years. However, it was his first mission aboard the BITU River.
The ship was hijacked by African sea pirates along with his colleagues. The company informed them of the hijack at 1 pm on 18 March.
She has urged the government of India to take swift diplomatic action to ensure the safe return of all kidnapped crew members. “The safety and lives of our loved ones are at great risk, and we seek the highest level of government action to bring them home safely,” she appealed.
Despite facing pregnancy complications and health issues, she remains hopeful.
“This ordeal has left me heartbroken, but I am sure he will return home soon. I trust the authorities to act swiftly,” she added.
Sajith KV, Vani’s sister’s husband, is handling official communications regarding Rajeendran’s rescue. Rajeendran’s family includes his parents, three elder sisters, his wife Vani, and their daughter.
Speaking to South First, Sajith revealed a heartbreaking reality.
“Vani still believes he is safe inside the vessel. We haven’t been able to tell her the full truth, as she is counting the days for delivery. She is in deep sorrow, so we brought her to our home to shield her from media attention and the distressing questions of relatives and well-wishers.”
The actual situation remains uncertain. While the company is still in contact with the crew members who remain on board, there has been no communication from those taken hostage. The shipping company has not provided any updates regarding their condition, or any ransom demands.
NORKA (Department of Non-Resident Keralite’s Affairs) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have reached out to Sajith for further details, but there is still no clear information about the hostages’ well-being.
Authorities are making efforts to track and coordinate rescue operations, yet significant gaps remain in understanding this abduction by African pirates.
“Right now, all we can do is alert the authorities, pray, and wait with hope for good news,” Sajith said.
Meanwhile, Shafi Parambil MP’s office informed South First that he is actively coordinating with the Union government to secure the rescue of Rajeendran.
Shafi has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, bringing to his attention the distressing situation of Rajeendran.
In his letter, Shafi Parambil stated, “I would like to draw your attention to the alarming case of Mr Rajendran Bharghavan, an Indian citizen who has been abducted by pirates. The company representative, Mr Naresh from Mumbai, informed the family that Mr Bharghavan, along with six other Indian crew members, had been kidnapped while their ship was en route from Cameroon to Durban.”
“I kindly request your immediate intervention to ensure the safe release of Mr Rajendran Bharghavan. A swift response would provide immense relief to his family and loved ones,” he added.
In response to Shafi’s inquiry, Under Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, Vibhuti Nath Pandey confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Gabon has conveyed the incident to local authorities, as the piracy and abduction reportedly took place off the coast of São Tomé and Príncipe.
On 19 March, a team from the High Commission of India in Libreville visited the six Indian crew members still aboard the vessel and provided them with consular assistance. While they are in good health, they have no information regarding the seven crew members who were abducted by the pirates.
“We have also reached out to the Indian High Commission in Nigeria and its defence advisor, as this incident occurred in the piracy-prone Gulf of Guinea region. Our missions in Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe are actively engaging with the concerned authorities. We remain hopeful,” officials informed South First.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
