Antwerp Diamantaire Dies During Police Search

The diamond community in Antwerp is reeling after news spread of the death of one of their own this morning. Diamantaire, Nihil Manilal, in his mid-40s, died of a heart attack while police searched his home.

According to a friend and colleague, Kaushik Bhansali of Ankur Diamonds, Manilal’s death has shocked the Indian and diamond communities in Antwerp. “Nihil Manilal was well-known and he will be missed,” said Bhansali.

Diamantaires who reportedly know the family said police ignored Manilal as he clutched his chest and complained about pain during the search. Manilal’s family accused police of taking too long to call for an ambulance. Police said they called an ambulance immediately.

Antwerp’s High Diamond Council is expected to release a statement concerning the death of the diamantaire. In the meantime, approximately 200 people gathered in Antwerp’s diamond district this afternoon. The demonstrators called for police to hold off on using what they called ‘excessive means’ during searches of a financial criminal nature.

Some members of the Indian community are now calling for a strike until police reform their ways. On the outside of the diamond building in Antwerp, there are reportedly posters asking diamantaires not to come into work tomorrow.