Three Indian nationals from Punjab who went missing in Iran earlier this month have been rescued by Tehran police, the Iranian Embassy in India confirmed on Tuesday, citing local media reports.
The men — Hushanpreet Singh from Sangrur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar, and Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur — had been travelling through Iran on 1 May on their way to Australia, where a local travel agent had promised them lucrative job opportunities. Instead, they were allegedly kidnapped soon after their arrival in Varamin, a southern suburb of Tehran.
According to reports, the kidnappers contacted the families via video calls showing the men tied up with ropes and knives pressed against their necks, demanding a ransom of Rs 1 crore (approximately AUD 18,000).
The families had been able to communicate with the men only until 11 May. The travel agent who arranged their passage reportedly disappeared after the men went missing.
The Iranian police launched a swift operation that led to the safe release of the men, local news agency Tasnim reported. The Iranian Embassy said consular officials were closely monitoring the case in coordination with judicial authorities and had kept the Indian Embassy informed throughout.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran had strongly urged Iranian authorities to urgently trace the missing men and ensure their safety. The families expressed relief but remained cautious as investigations continue.
Additionally, the Iranian Embassy warned travellers against illegal migration routes and false promises made by unscrupulous agents.
“Given the nature of this incident, Indian citizens are strongly advised not to be deceived by promises from unauthorised individuals or illegal agencies offering overseas travel,” the Embassy said in a social media post.
The incident highlights the risks faced by many Indians, particularly from Punjab, who seek work abroad through unauthorised channels.
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