Three Missing Indians Rescued in Iran Hostage Operation
Three Indian nationals from Punjab who had gone missing in Iran earlier this month have been rescued by Iranian police in a successful operation against their captors. The Iranian Embassy in India confirmed the news, stating that the three were freed following police action in Varamin, a city located in south Tehran.
According to Iranian media, the kidnapping was first reported to Tehran police on May 1. The victims had entered Iran on their way to Australia, lured by promises of lucrative jobs arranged by a local travel company. The travel firm allegedly coordinated their journey and stopover in Iran, but shortly after their arrival, the three men went missing.
On May 29, the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi acknowledged that it was investigating the matter of the missing Indian citizens. The families of the kidnapped men had previously informed authorities that they had received a video call from the abductors, confirming that the three were being held hostage.
Tehran-based Tasnim News Agency later reported that Iranian police conducted a targeted operation in Varamin, leading to the safe rescue of the Indian nationals. The details of the raid and identities of the kidnappers have not yet been disclosed, but officials confirmed that the perpetrators were being pursued and the men were freed without injury.
The incident underscores the risks faced by job seekers and migrants falling victim to fraudulent job rackets operating under the guise of travel or employment services. Indian authorities are expected to follow up on the travel agency’s involvement, as this is not the first time Indian nationals have been exploited in foreign transit routes.
The rescued individuals are currently under the protection of Iranian authorities and are expected to return to India shortly. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with the Iranian government to facilitate their safe repatriation.
