Three Punjab Youths Rescued in Iran After Abduction by Traffickers

Three Punjab men abducted in Iran while attempting illegal migration to Australia were rescued by Tehran police. Lured by fake promises, they were held for ransom by traffickers. Indian and Iranian authorities collaborated to free them. Their families expressed deep relief and gratitude after weeks of fear and uncertainty.

Three young men from Punjab, who were abducted in Iran after falling victim to a human trafficking scheme, have been successfully rescued by Tehran police. The victims—Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, and Hushanpreet Singh from Sangrur—had traveled to Iran on May 1 after being promised a safe passage and job opportunities in Australia by a travel agency.

Shortly after arriving in Tehran, the trio were taken hostage by traffickers who demanded ransom from their families in India. The abductors initially asked for ₹1 crore, later reducing the demand to ₹18 lakh. The families contacted Indian authorities, prompting swift action by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The Iranian Embassy in India confirmed the rescue operation via a post on social media, stating that the victims were freed during a police raid in Varamin, near Tehran. The Iranian foreign ministry and local police coordinated the operation, with assistance from Indian diplomats.

The Indian Embassy in Iran also provided regular updates and coordinated with the families of the victims. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged the strong cooperation from Iranian authorities and confirmed that the three were safe.

Family members expressed immense relief. Amritpal Singh phoned his uncle from a police station in Tehran to confirm his well-being. Jaspal Singh’s wife and brother were overjoyed after a month of fear and uncertainty. In Sangrur, Hushanpreet’s family learned of the rescue through news reports, later confirming contact via Tehran police.

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The traffickers, believed to be Pakistani nationals, have been arrested. The case has renewed calls for stricter monitoring of illegal travel agents and improved safeguards for Indian citizens abroad.