Betaal - Problems of The Modern World

It was a dark and rainy night in a deep dense forest, a pair of foot steps moved with a confidence of reaching the destined location. Winds carried the howling sounds of Jackals and echo of laughter from spirits seems to prevail in that hour of night.

Raja Vikramaditya climbed the tree and brought the corpse down, and as he carried the corpse on his shoulders the ghost possessed the corpse spoke “ Dear Vikram, People enjoy this time of night to sleep and not do what you are trying at this hour”,

And so began the journey of Vikram and Betaal which many of us must have read, heard or seen in their childhood.
But as I read these today, the stories makes more sense to our life than ever. 

Puzzles and question raised by Betaal during the multiple failed attempts by Vikram as he answers them with full earnestness.

Assuming the role of Betaal, I begin my modern day story for all of you: 

Small town man named Shyamu began his business of manufacturing, his made to order hydraulic machines for various oil refineries and similar industries around the world, he was adept in his work and so the business began to flourish and the expansion leads to work in many countries. Shyamu's company hires many offsite engineers to deploy and service its multinational clients. 

One night his foreign office calls and informs him of three top engineers kidnap from the site of operations and there is a demand of ransom to their family for 1 Million USD each.

• What happens now?
• Will Shyamu's company ensure the safe release of its employees?
• Is there a way out of this situation?

"And if you know the  answer and still prefer to remain silent, let me warn you, your head will be blown to a thousand pieces"

The Vikram in me shall answer those for you:

Luckily Shyamu's smart advisor has the Insurance cover called as " KRE" or K&R (Kidnap, Ransom and Extortion). Companies often use it when they have employees who frequently travel to areas where kidnapping is a problem. K&R insurance can include coverage for spouses, relatives, guests, nannies, housekeepers, or just a single individual.

Yes, the insurance company provides the services of some of the best crisis management companies known to offer their services around the world, I have read some names like Crisis24, R3 Continuum,S-RM, Ackerman etc.

The counselling of family pre and post crisis and safe hostage recovery is managed through this Insurance cover. Many other crisis events such as cyber extortion, product extortion, hijack, wrongful detention, threat, disappearance, express kidnap, hostage crisis, child abduction can also be managed through such insurance products.

K&R insurance came into existence in 1930, but major revolution happened in 1970 when a Insurance broker Julian Radcliffe designed the concept of hostage recovery and negotiations, by the year 1982 he formed a separate company to address the issues and offer consultancy and it was called Control risks.

Kidnapping of Jennifer Guinness wife of a renowned banker in 1986 became a debatable case where the ransom of 2Million pounds was asked and the K&R consultant Control risk were brought to negotiate possible ransom, but the police rescued the hostage. This case was debated in British parliament expressing the concern over the policy and its impact on citizens.
There are two major Insurers in this space, The Hiscox in the UK and AIG in the US have prominent presence.

Despite several objections and criticism, this product gained prominence and helped several corporations and individuals during their tough times.

However, post 9/11 there were certain restrictions on ransom payments, the Insurance companies maintain the list of "Proscribed entities", which means the ransom payments cannot be made to these organisation known as terrorist outfits.

Following are some saddening facts in this area:

1. Kidnap for Ransom is one of the biggest threat in these times.

2. Approximately 25000 kidnappings are reported each year around the world.

3. More than 90% Victims survive but suffers severe mental trauma.

K&R policy, Security Consultants and Governments can have a joint working with each other to prevent, protect or neutralize the threat to its key citizens or company employees in critical operations.

Betal has never doubted the king and his answers,  and once again outwitted by Vikram, he flew back to his magical tree knowing fully that Vikram shall follow him.

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