Families allege abduction of youths from Punjab; ₹1 crore ransom demanded as blood-soaked video emerges
New Delhi: The Indian Embassy in Tehran has confirmed that three Indian nationals from Punjab, identified as Hushanpreet Singh (Sangrur), Jaspal Singh (SBS Nagar), and Amritpal Singh (Hoshiarpur), have gone missing after arriving in Tehran on May 1.
The case has taken a disturbing turn as the families of the missing men allege they have been kidnapped, and the abductors have demanded ₹1 crore in ransom for their release.
Abducted Upon Arrival in Iran
The three men had reportedly been lured by a travel agent in Punjab who promised to send them to Australia via the Dubai–Iran route, including short-term accommodation in Tehran. However, they disappeared upon arrival, and the families soon received a video showing the youths tied with yellow ropes, with visible injuries and blood on their arms.
The abductors allowed the men to make brief calls to their families via their phones. But since May 11, there has been complete silence, raising grave concerns for their safety. Meanwhile, the agent who arranged their travel has gone missing.
MEA Steps In, Iran Alerted
The Indian government has responded with urgency. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reportedly raised the issue directly with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Ravanchi during a recent diplomatic event in New Delhi.
“The Embassy has strongly taken up the matter with the Iranian authorities and requested that the missing Indians be urgently traced and their safety ensured,” said an official statement by the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
The embassy is also regularly updating the families on developments in the case.
Human Trafficking Suspected
This incident has once again drawn attention to the rising number of human trafficking cases from Punjab. Unscrupulous agents have been exploiting vulnerable youth by offering illegal migration routes and false promises of overseas employment, often resulting in dire consequences.
Investigations are underway into the Hoshiarpur-based agent who facilitated the trip. Authorities suspect the involvement of an organised trafficking network operating across multiple countries.
Families Seek Swift Action
Shocked and desperate, the families of the missing men have made fervent appeals to the Indian government to secure their safe return.
“We are devastated. Please save our children before it's too late,” cried one distraught mother.
They also urged others not to fall prey to fraudulent travel agents.
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