Three Punjabis 'missing' in Iran, families allege kidnapping and ransom demand
PTC Web Desk: Three Indian nationals from Punjab have reportedly gone missing in Iran, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts by the Indian Embassy in Tehran. The missing men, reportedly from Sangrur, Nawanshahr, and Hoshiarpur districts in Punjab had left India with hopes of reaching Australia on work permits. However, their families allege they were instead misled by travel agents and taken to Iran, where they were later kidnapped.
In an official post on X, the Indian mission in Tehran confirmed receiving information from the families and stated that the matter has been taken up with Iranian authorities. “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 statement read.
The families have also been assured regular updates from the embassy regarding all efforts to locate the missing men.
Meanwhile, the mother of Husnpreet, a resident of Sangrur, claims the three young men were abducted in Iran on May 1. She further alleged that kidnappers had demanded ransom for their release and shared disturbing images and videos showing the victims with their hands tied and visible signs of torture.
According to reports, the three youths had boarded a flight from Delhi, intending to reach Australia. However, they were stopped in Iran for what was supposed to be a temporary transit period. It was during this time that they went missing.
The families were in contact with the abducted men until May 11, after which all communication ceased. The travel agent from Hoshiarpur who allegedly facilitated their travel has since gone underground, and a police complaint has been registered against him.
- With inputs from agencies
