Gujarat duo’s ‘donkey route’ dream turns into Azerbaijan kidnap horror; rescued after 24-hour diplomatic push
PTC Web Desk: What started as an attempt to chase opportunities in the United States turned into a harrowing experience for two residents of Gujarat’s Anand district. Dhruv Patel (22) and Deepika Patel (32) allegedly became entangled in an organised illegal immigration network after choosing the infamous “Dunki route” or "donkey route" to enter the US.
From Gujarat to Baku: The risky journey
Residents of Kanthariya village, the two left their hometown on January 30. They first travelled to Vadodara and then proceeded to Delhi, where they met at the airport before departing for Azerbaijan. Their journey had been coordinated by a Mumbai-based agent who assured them safe passage to the United States through an unauthorised migration channel commonly referred to as the dunki or donkey route.
Dhruv is said to have paid Rs 35 lakh for the arrangement, while Deepika reportedly paid around Rs 15 lakh.
The donkey route is an illegal migration corridor used by individuals attempting to reach countries such as the US by transiting through multiple nations, often under dangerous and unlawful circumstances. Azerbaijan, situated between Eastern Europe and West Asia, has emerged as one of the transit hubs frequently used in such networks.
The pair landed in Baku on February 1. Soon after arrival, an intermediary identified as Pawan allegedly instructed them to switch off their mobile phones, a direction that would soon take a sinister turn.
According to family members, the situation deteriorated rapidly after they reached Azerbaijan. A local handler reportedly demanded additional money and advised them not to transfer any further payments to the Mumbai-based agent. When the duo refused to comply, they were allegedly kidnapped the next morning and taken to an isolated house.
Relatives claim both were confined to a basement. Dhruv was allegedly beaten severely, with the attackers forcing his family to watch the assault via WhatsApp video calls.
The kidnappers reportedly threatened organ trafficking if ransom demands were not met. In an attempt to secure their release, the families arranged nearly Rs 65 lakh, with close to half the amount allegedly transferred through cryptocurrency channels. Despite receiving the funds, the accused reportedly continued to demand more money.
As negotiations stalled, the families approached Anand MP Mitesh Patel for assistance. The MP escalated the matter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, seeking urgent intervention.
The Indian Embassy in Baku was alerted, and a coordinated rescue mission, reportedly termed ‘Operation Mahisagar’, was launched in collaboration with Azerbaijani authorities.
Within 24 hours of diplomatic engagement, officials traced the victims’ location and secured their release. Dhruv and Deepika are at present under the protection of the Indian Embassy in Azerbaijan and formalities are being completed for their return to India.
Describing the incident as “deeply disturbing,” MP Mitesh Patel cautioned youth against falling for illegal migration schemes and acknowledged the prompt action taken by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Initial findings suggest the alleged kidnappers may be part of a broader network reportedly led by individuals identified as Pawan Rocky and an Iranian national known as ‘Baba Khan’. The group is suspected to have been involved in similar cases targeting youths from Gujarat, particularly from the Mansa region.
Meanwhile, the Gujarat Police have initiated action against at least five Mumbai-based agents believed to have played a role in luring the victims.
- With inputs from agencies
