KKN Gurugram Desk | In a dramatic rescue operation in Tehran, Iran, three Indian nationals from Punjab, who had gone missing in early May 2025, have been safely recovered by Iranian police. The men, suspected to have been kidnapped by a group of Pakistani nationals, were freed during a police-led operation in southern Tehran, as per reports from local Iranian media.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran confirmed the development through an official social media post, stating:

“All three missing Indian citizens have been rescued safely. Iranian authorities successfully located and freed them from captivity.”

This incident has sparked widespread attention in both India and Iran, raising concerns over human trafficking networks, illegal migration, and the safety of Indian nationals traveling abroad under deceptive promises of employment.

The Missing Men from Punjab: Who Are They?

The three rescued Indian citizens have been identified as:

• Husanpreet Singh from Sangrur

• Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar)

• Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur

The trio had arrived in Iran on May 1, 2025, reportedly in transit toward Australia for employment opportunities facilitated by an unregistered travel agent. Within days of their arrival, they went missing, prompting families in India to alert the authorities.

Families Speak Out: “They Were Held for Ransom”

The families of the young men had long feared foul play. Balwinder Kaur, the mother of Husanpreet Singh, confirmed her son had been safely rescued and that she learned of his release through media and a phone call. “We were terrified. It was a nightmare,” she said, recalling the days when the family received disturbing videos and images showing the men tied up and injured.

Ramesh Sharma, maternal uncle of Husanpreet, added that the family received a call on Monday from Iranian police, who permitted the victims to speak directly with their families for the first time in over a month. “They told us the kidnappers were Pakistanis, and one of them has already been arrested. But we don’t yet know how many people were involved,” Sharma said.

He also confirmed that emails were sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking intervention and assistance.

How the Kidnapping Happened: A Timeline of Events

1 May 2025:

The three Indian nationals arrived in Tehran, allegedly en route to Australia via illegal migration channels. Their travel was facilitated by an unnamed local travel agent who had promised high-paying jobs abroad.

First Week of May:

Families in Punjab lost contact with the men. Soon after, they started receiving ransom demands—the kidnappers demanded ₹50 lakh (~USD 63,000). Graphic proof of captivity, including photographs and video clips showing the men bound and bruised, was sent to the families.

May-End 2025:

The families filed complaints with local police and contacted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The Indian embassy in Tehran confirmed they were in active communication with Iranian authorities.

Early June 2025:

Iranian police, acting on intelligence, conducted a targeted rescue operation in Varamin, a suburb of southern Tehran, where the three Indians were located and rescued. At least one Pakistani national involved in the kidnapping has been taken into custody.

Iranian Embassy Confirms Rescue

In an official statement released on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), the Embassy of Iran in India confirmed:

“Three Indian nationals who went missing in Tehran earlier this month have been found and rescued by police. Local media confirms their safe recovery and the arrest of at least one kidnapper.”

The embassy’s swift response and collaboration with Indian authorities have been widely appreciated by both governments.

Who Were the Alleged Kidnappers?

Though Iranian officials have not released the full details, early reports suggest that the kidnappers were part of a Pakistani criminal network involved in trafficking migrants and illegal border crossings. These groups are known to operate in and around Iran, Turkey, and UAE, preying on vulnerable individuals from South Asia.

Further investigation is underway to:

• Identify all members of the kidnapping gang

• Verify cross-border links to organized trafficking networks

• Determine if more Indians may have fallen prey to similar scams

Larger Issue: Human Trafficking Through Iran’s Transit Routes

This incident sheds light on the growing threat of human trafficking via Iran, a critical stop in illegal immigration routes from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh to Europe and Australia.

These underground networks often:

• Operate through unlicensed agents in Punjab and Haryana

• Charge ₹15-25 lakh per person for illegal transit

• Route migrants through Iran, Turkey, Libya, or Greece

Victims are often unaware of the risks, believing in fabricated promises of visa-free jobs or direct work permits.

What Is India Doing About It?

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued multiple advisories over the past year, warning citizens against using unauthorized agents or illegal routes for foreign employment.

In this case, the MEA worked closely with the Indian embassy in Tehran to facilitate communication and support for the families. An official repatriation plan is likely underway, though final return dates are subject to Iranian legal clearances.

Community Response and Warnings

Following the rescue, many community leaders in Punjab have urged the government to crack down on illegal travel agents. Social activists and local police have also reported an uptick in cases where youth are being lured by fraudulent “job abroad” schemes.

Gurmeet Singh, a migration rights activist from Ludhiana, stated:

“The rescue is welcome news, but hundreds of young Indians remain at risk due to unchecked illegal migration rings. There must be strict enforcement and public awareness.”

Next Steps: Repatriation and Legal Process

While the three rescued men are now in safe custody, their repatriation to India is contingent on Iranian law. Legal proceedings against the Pakistani kidnapper(s) will take precedence. Once formalities are completed:

• Indian embassy will issue emergency travel documents

• Families will be updated on travel arrangements

• MEA will offer post-arrival support, including counseling

The safe rescue of three Indian citizens abducted in Iran highlights both the efficiency of Iranian law enforcement and the urgent need for migrant safety protocols. As illegal migration routes grow more dangerous and sophisticated, collaboration between nations and awareness among citizens becomes essential.

The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to protecting nationals abroad and cracking down on trafficking networks that exploit innocent lives.