• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

In a worrying turn of events, three Indian nationals from Punjab have disappeared in Iran after reportedly being lured by an illegal tour operator with the promise of job in Australia. The May 1 incident has caused both India and Iran to issue a diplomatic response, with the authorities keeping a close eye on developments. The three missing persons have been identified as Hushanpreet Singh of Sangrur, Jaspal Singh of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, and Amritpal Singh of Hoshiarpur. According to family members, they were taken to Iran via the Dubai route by an agent who assured them of onward travel to Australia under a work permit. However, they are now feared to have been kidnapped after landing in Tehran.

Iran Asserts Case Under Probe, Warns Indians About Fake Agencies

The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi issued its official statement confirming the nation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Consular Affairs Department and judicial authorities, is actively investigating the matter. “The case concerning the disappearance of three Indian nationals is being followed up… The Embassy of the Republic of India in Tehran is also being kept informed,” the Iranian Embassy posted on X. The release also urged Indian nationals to remain vigilant while going abroad and not become victims of illegal or unauthorised travel agents. “Given the nature of this incident, Indian citizens are strongly advised not to be deceived by the promises of unauthorised individuals or illegal Indian agencies offering travel to other countries,” the statement added.

Kidnapping Alleged; Families Receive Disturbing Visuals

Family members of the two missing men claimed that they were approached by suspected kidnappers who were demanding a ransom of 1 crore rupees. The kidnappers allegedly sent horrifying images and videos of the victims, their hands bound and with visible marks of torture on their bodies, including bruises and cuts. The families say they were able to speak with the men during the initial days following the abduction, but communication ceased after May 11, raising serious concerns about their safety.

Taking up the issue strongly with the Iranian government at the appeals of the families, the Embassy of India in Tehran has picked up the case. “The Embassy has strongly taken up this matter with the Iranian authorities and requested that the missing Indians be urgently traced and their safety ensured,” it said in a statement. The Indian mission is also in constant touch with the families of the victims and informing them about continuous efforts being made to trace the men.

ALSO READ:Pakistan Drags India Into Iran Talks, Khamenei Stays Neutral | What’s Behind This Shift?

The agent, reportedly from Hoshiarpur, who arranged the travel, is now on absconding, the families claim. A FIR was filed against him on May 16, and police are now attempting to locate him. This incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with the Dunki route, a term commonly used for illegal immigration pathways from India to Western nations. Relatives of the missing men have also approached Punjab Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Hoshiarpur MP Dr Rajkumar, urging government intervention to help secure the safe return of their sons. This follows previous reports in which hundreds of Indian nationals, mostly from Punjab, who tried to travel to the United States through illegal channels, were repatriated to India. This has led the government to appeal to the citizens to use only authorised agents and legal migration channels.

 ALSO READ: Three Indians Go Missing In Iran; Embassy Coordinates With Families, Urges Tehran For Action: 'Should Be Urgently Traced'