Three Indian men, who went missing in Iran, rescued by Tehran police

Tehran/New Delhi – In a dramatic turn of events, three Indian nationals from Punjab, who had gone missing in Iran under mysterious circumstances, were successfully rescued by the Iranian police after a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies. The incident sheds light on a growing pattern of job-related human trafficking and highlights the risks faced by vulnerable job seekers lured by promises of overseas employment.

The Disappearance: A Journey Meant for Hope Turns into Horror

The three young men—Amritpal Singh (23) from Hoshiarpur, Husanpreet Singh (27) from Sangrur, and Jaspal Singh from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar—left India on May 1, 2025. Motivated by dreams of a better life abroad, they were reportedly duped by a travel agent who promised to arrange their migration to Australia via Iran.

According to family sources, the men were assured that the trip to Australia would be smooth, legal, and supported by job offers on arrival. The families had each paid substantial sums, believing that their sons were on a legitimate journey toward a brighter future.

However, shortly after landing in Tehran, communication from the trio abruptly stopped. Concern turned into panic when the families began receiving disturbing ransom calls. The initial demands were as high as ₹1 crore, later brought down to ₹18 lakh, indicating a targeted human trafficking operation.

Rescue Operation: International Coordination Pays Off

Once the families alerted authorities in India, the Ministry of External Affairs swung into action. The Indian Embassy in Tehran worked tirelessly with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local police. After days of surveillance and intelligence gathering, Iranian police located the men in Varamin, a city south of Tehran.

The rescue mission was not just a testament to swift diplomatic efforts but also to the cooperation between the two nations. Tehran police managed to arrest the alleged abductors—suspected to be part of a broader trafficking ring involving Pakistani nationals.

“The three Indians were found in a safe but distressed condition. They are now under medical supervision and will be repatriated soon,” said an official from the Indian Embassy.

Victims Speak Out: “We Were Treated Like Prisoners”

Following the rescue, the men spoke briefly with their families. According to one of the victims, they were kept in a small, windowless room, with minimal food and water. They were often threatened with violence if the ransom was not paid promptly.

“We were treated like prisoners. They told us if our families didn’t pay, we’d never see India again,” one of them recounted during a phone call to his brother.

The emotional conversations between the rescued men and their families have since gone viral, evoking sympathy and concern across India. The family members have expressed relief, but also anger at the agents who tricked their loved ones.

Human Trafficking & Fraud: A Growing Concern in Punjab

This is not the first time Punjab has witnessed such incidents. The state, with its high rate of emigration, has become a target for fraudulent travel agents and human traffickers. Lured by the promise of jobs in Canada, Australia, or Europe, many young men and women fall victim to these schemes every year.

In this particular case, a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed in Punjab to investigate the travel agency involved. Early reports suggest that the agents may be part of a larger international syndicate operating across South Asia and the Middle East.

“The agents responsible will not go unpunished. We will trace their operations and ensure justice is served,” a Punjab Police spokesperson stated.

Government Action: Cracking Down on Illegal Migration Channels

Following this incident, Indian authorities have renewed their calls for stricter enforcement of migration laws. The Ministry of External Affairs has also urged citizens to verify the authenticity of overseas job offers and consult government-authorized travel agencies before making any decisions.

Moreover, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has directed embassies to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing similar situations. “No Indian should ever feel abandoned abroad. We are committed to protecting our citizens, wherever they are,” he stated in a press release.

Iran’s Role: A Key Partner in Rescue and Cooperation

Iran’s swift police response and cooperation with Indian authorities were crucial in the success of this operation. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi also played a significant role in communicating updates and facilitating diplomatic coordination.

This event has strengthened Indo-Iranian diplomatic ties, particularly in areas related to consular services, migrant safety, and international crime prevention.

What This Means for Indian Migrant Aspirants

The case of these three men is both tragic and cautionary. It underscores the importance of due diligence when pursuing overseas employment and the dangers of relying on unverified agents. Aspirants are advised to always:

• Use government-approved travel consultants.
• Confirm job offers and visas through official channels.
• Report any suspicious activities to local authorities.

Conclusion: A Story of Survival, But Also a Warning

While this story ended with the safe return of the victims, not every such case does. The international job market, especially for low-skilled workers, remains a dangerous landscape filled with exploitation and deceit. The heroic rescue in Iran is a reminder that vigilance, governmental support, and international collaboration are key to combating trafficking—but prevention begins at home.

Let this be a wake-up call, not just for the authorities, but for every family dreaming of a better life abroad.