Three Indian Youths Kidnapped in Iran While Trying to Reach Australia via Illegal Route

Three Indians from Punjab went missing in Iran en route to Australia via illegal route; families allege kidnapping, demand action. Indian Embassy seeks urgent intervention. Read more on Dynamite News

New Delhi: A serious case of the disappearance of three Indian citizens has come to light in Iran, regarding which their family members have alleged kidnapping, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

This incident has not only worried their family members but has also activated the Indian authorities. The missing youths have been identified as Husanpreet Singh of Sangrur district of Punjab, Jaspal Singh of SBS Nagar, and Amritpal Singh of Hoshiarpur.

These three youths had reached Tehran, the capital of Iran, on May 1, but since then there has been no trace of them. According to reports, these youths started their journey through Dubai and Iran through an agent from Punjab in an attempt to reach Australia.

The agent had assured them that they would reach Australia safely and their stay would be arranged in Iran. But after reaching Tehran, these three were allegedly kidnapped. The family members claim that they received a video call from the kidnappers, in which all three youths were tied with ropes and a knife was placed on their throats.

Apart from this, serious injuries and scratch marks were also seen on their bodies in the video and photos. Husnpreet's mother told them that the agent had charged them a huge amount, but instead of sending them to Australia legally, they were sent through the 'Dunky Route,' which is an illegal route.

The family also says that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore, and this amount has been asked to be deposited in Pakistani bank accounts. In the initial days, the family members were able to talk to the victims, but there has been no contact since May 11.

The Indian Embassy has taken this matter seriously and has immediately contacted the Iranian authorities and demanded they find the missing youths and ensure their safety. The embassy said in its statement that it is constantly in touch with the family and will keep them informed of every update.

Meanwhile, a police complaint has been lodged against the Hoshiarpur agent who had sent these youths. According to reports, the agent is absconding. The family is now pleading for help from the Punjab government and has met Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and MP Dr. Rajkumar and demanded the safe return of the youths.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time that the incident of the disappearance of Indian citizens in Iran has come to light. Earlier, also, three such cases have come to light. Recently, there was news of the kidnapping of five Indians in the African country Niger.

These incidents make it clear how dangerous and widespread the network of illegal smuggling and human trafficking is becoming.