Iran announced on Thursday that it is actively investigating the disappearance of three Indian citizens who went missing after traveling to the country earlier this month. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi confirmed, “The case concerning the disappearance of three Indian nationals is being followed up by the Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran in coordination with the relevant judicial authorities.”
The Indian Embassy in Tehran raised the issue on Wednesday after receiving information from the families of the missing men, all hailing from Punjab. One family alleges that the men were abducted and held for ransom.
“The Embassy has strongly taken up this matter with the Iranian authorities, and requested that the missing Indians should be urgently traced, and their safety should be ensured,” the embassy stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The Iranian Embassy also assured that the Indian mission in Tehran receives updates through official channels.
Warning Against Unauthorized Travel Agents
In light of this incident, the Iranian Embassy issued a cautionary advisory urging Indian citizens not to fall victim to fraudulent promises made by unauthorized individuals or illegal Indian travel agencies. “Given the nature of this incident, Indian citizens are strongly advised not to be deceived by the promises of unauthorized individuals or illegal Indian agencies offering travel to other countries,” the embassy said.
Illegal Travel Through ‘Dunki Route’ Raises Alarm
The three missing men, from Sangrur, Nawanshahr, and Hoshiarpur districts, reportedly fell prey to a fake travel agent who assured them work permits in Australia. Instead, they were routed through Iran via the notorious ‘Dunki route,’ a known path for human trafficking and illegal migration.
Husnpreet, the mother of one of the missing men from Sangrur, alleged that the men were abducted on May 1 in Iran and ransom demands followed. The family claims to have received distressing photos and videos showing the men bound and injured. Families spoke with the men during the initial days after the kidnapping, but contact stopped after May 11.
Families Seek Help, Legal Action Underway
An agent from Hoshiarpur allegedly involved in facilitating the men’s travel to Iran is now absconding. Families have filed police complaints against the agent. Amritpal’s family from Hoshiarpur has approached Punjab Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Hoshiarpur MP Dr Rajkumar, requesting assistance in safely bringing their relatives back home.
