Investigation Launched into Disappearance of Indian Nationals in Iran

The Iranian authorities have initiated an investigation following the alleged kidnapping of three Indian men in Tehran, who were reportedly misled by a travel agent in pursuit of employment in Australia. Family members allege the men were detained upon their arrival and are now being held for ransom.

The Iranian Embassy in India has announced an investigation into the case of three Indian nationals reported missing in Tehran earlier this month. The young men, all hailing from Punjab, India, were en route to Australia on 1 May, lured by a travel agent with promises of well-paying job opportunities. Their families allege that upon arriving in Iran, they were abducted by unidentified individuals demanding a ransom of 5 million rupees (approximately $63,000).

In response to the incident, the Iranian Embassy posted on social media platform X, stating that it is keeping Indian authorities updated on the ongoing developments related to the case within the judicial system. The embassy also cautioned against the perils of illegal immigration routes, urging citizens to be wary of deceptive promises made by unauthorized individuals or travel agencies.

The Indian Embassy in Iran expressed deep concern regarding the matter, emphasizing that they have firmly raised the issue with local authorities and are urging for a swift search and assurance of the men's safety. A notable trend has emerged among Indians, particularly from Punjab, who often seek work opportunities abroad but sometimes become victims of fraudulent schemes orchestrated by unscrupulous travel agents. These agents frequently charge exorbitant fees and utilize unsafe, undocumented pathways to facilitate travel.

Gurdeep Kaur, the mother of one of the missing men, Amritpal Singh, shared her distressing account with BBC Punjabi, recounting the events that led to her son's disappearance. The family had engaged a travel agent based in Hoshiarpur to secure an Australian work permit for their son. Last month, they were informed by the agent that Amritpal's visa was approved, and a payment of 1.8 million rupees was demanded. However, complications arose with the flights booked, leading to confusion and ultimately the desperate situation they now face.

After arriving in Tehran and initially contacting his mother to confirm his safe arrival, Amritpal's second call reported a shocking turn of events: he had been kidnapped. Gurdeep Kaur recounted the abrupt ending of the call, leaving the family in a state of panic and urgency. Repeated attempts to reach the travel agents yielded vague responses before the agents reportedly went into hiding. Subsequently, the family began receiving unsettling video calls from alleged kidnappers showing Amritpal and the other men, visibly harmed and demanding ransoms that evolved from an initial 20 million rupees down to 5.4 million rupees.

Despite the pressure, the family has thus far refrained from paying a ransom. A police complaint was lodged against the culpable travel agents, prompting ongoing investigations by local authorities. The search for the missing men continues, with Gursahib Singh, a police officer from Hoshiarpur, confirming that they are pursuing leads despite the suspects being untraceable for the time being.

Further complicating matters, the home of one of the other missing individuals, Husanpreet Singh, remains deserted, with his elderly grandmother seeking assistance from relatives to garner support in finding her grandson. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has reiterated its commitment to keeping the families of the missing individuals informed throughout the investigation process.

As illegal immigration awareness rises, particularly in light of previous incidents involving undocumented Indians, the Indian government has intensified its scrutiny of travel agents exploiting potential migrants. The case continues to highlight the dangers associated with unauthorized immigration routes and the vulnerability of individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.