How Did Iranian Police Rescue Three Missing Indians?

Synopsis
The recent rescue of three Indian nationals in Iran highlights a serious issue of international safety and the dangers of unverified travel agencies. This incident has raised awareness and prompted diplomatic engagement between India and Iran, emphasizing the importance of vigilance when traveling abroad.
Key Takeaways
- Three Indian nationals were rescued in Iran.
- The men went missing shortly after arriving in Tehran.
- Ransom demands were made to their families.
- Indian authorities urged travelers to exercise caution.
- International cooperation was crucial in the rescue.
Tehran, June 4 (NationPress) The three Indian nationals who went missing in Iran last month have been successfully rescued, as reported by the Iranian Embassy in India and local media outlets.
The Embassy announced on the social media platform X that the police in Tehran had liberated the individuals who were unaccounted for.
"Three missing Indian citizens have been rescued by Tehran police. Reports indicate that local law enforcement found and released three Indian men who had disappeared in Iran," the Iranian Embassy shared.
All three men, identified as Jaspal Singh, Hushanpreet Singh, and Amritpal Singh, are from Punjab and had gone missing shortly after their arrival in Tehran on May 1.
According to the Iranian news agency Mehr, the trio was en route to Australia after being lured by a local travel agency with promises of lucrative employment.
The group was reportedly rescued following a police operation aimed at apprehending the kidnappers in Varamin, located to the south of Tehran, as reported by the Tasnim news outlet.
The Indian Embassy issued a statement on May 28 after receiving inquiries from the families of the missing men, who expressed grave concerns regarding their relatives' sudden disappearance.
The statement noted, "Family members of three Indian citizens have informed the Embassy of India about their relatives' disappearance after travelling to Iran. The Embassy has taken this matter seriously with Iranian authorities, requesting urgent action to locate the missing individuals and ensure their safety. We are also keeping family members updated on our efforts."
Reports also indicated that the families had received ransom demands amounting to Rs one crore from unidentified individuals, with threatening calls traced back to Pakistani phone numbers.
This alarming situation prompted immediate diplomatic action from both nations.
In response, the Iranian Embassy in India stated that the case is being monitored closely by the Consular Affairs Department of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Embassy also issued a cautionary note to Indian citizens, advising them "not to fall prey to the false promises made by unauthorized individuals or illegal Indian agencies offering travel services to other countries."
India has previously issued travel advisories for its citizens traveling to Iran, urging them to exercise caution, maintain contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and its consulates, and avoid dealing with unverified travel agents or intermediaries.