Iran Launches Investigation into Disappearance of Indian Nationals
The Iranian Embassy in India is currently investigating the mysterious disappearance of three Indian nationals in Tehran earlier this month. The men, who hail from Punjab, were en route to Australia for job opportunities when they reportedly went missing after arriving in Iran. Their families allege that they were kidnapped by unknown individuals demanding a ransom of 5 million rupees (approximately $63,000). The embassy has issued warnings about the dangers of illegal immigration routes and is coordinating with Indian authorities to ensure the safety of the missing individuals.
Background of the Incident
The three missing men had a stopover in Tehran on May 1 while traveling to Australia, where they were promised lucrative job offers by a travel agent. Families of the men claim that upon their arrival, they were abducted by unidentified individuals. The Iranian Embassy has stated that it is keeping Indian authorities updated on the situation and has cautioned citizens against falling prey to unauthorized travel agents. The embassy emphasized the risks associated with illegal immigration routes, urging Indian nationals to be wary of false promises made by unscrupulous agents.
The Indian embassy in Tehran has also taken a proactive stance, urging Iranian authorities to locate the missing men and ensure their safety. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of illegal immigration, particularly among individuals from Punjab, who often seek better opportunities abroad. Many fall victim to scams orchestrated by travel agents who charge exorbitant fees and use unsafe methods to facilitate travel.
The Families’ Plight
Gurdeep Kaur, the mother of one of the missing men, Amritpal Singh, shared her family’s harrowing experience. They had hired a travel agent in Hoshiarpur to secure an Australian work permit for Amritpal. After initially informing the family that his visa was approved, the agent requested a payment of 1.8 million rupees. However, when Amritpal arrived at the airport for his flight, he was told that his documents were not ready. The agent then rebooked him on a flight to Iran, claiming it was a stopover on the way to Australia.
Upon arrival in Tehran, Amritpal contacted his mother to inform her that he had landed safely. However, shortly after, he called again, stating he had been kidnapped. The call abruptly ended, and the family lost contact with him. In the days that followed, the family attempted to reach the travel agents, but they received vague responses and soon discovered that the agents had vanished. The family began receiving video calls from unknown individuals who allegedly showed the kidnapped men, displaying signs of physical abuse and demanding a ransom.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
As the investigation unfolds, a police complaint has been filed against the travel agents involved, and authorities are actively searching for the missing men. Gursahib Singh, an officer with the Hoshiarpur police, confirmed that efforts are underway to locate the individuals. Meanwhile, the families of the missing men are left in anguish, with relatives of Husanpreet Singh, another missing individual, seeking assistance from the community.
The Indian embassy in Tehran continues to keep the families informed about any developments in the case. This incident has raised awareness about the dangers of illegal immigration and the exploitation faced by many individuals seeking better lives abroad. In response to the growing concerns, the Indian government has intensified its crackdown on travel agents involved in illegal immigration, particularly following incidents where undocumented Indians were deported from the United States.
The plight of these families serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with illegal immigration and the need for greater awareness and regulation in the travel industry.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editorโs Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
