Three Indians from Punjab Go Missing in Iran, Embassy Appeals for Urgent Action.jpg)
.jpg)
New Delhi: The Indian Embassy in Iran has raised serious concerns over the disappearance of three Indian nationals from the same family, who went missing shortly after arriving in Tehran on May 2, 2025. The Embassy has officially urged Iranian authorities to urgently trace the missing individuals and ensure their safety, while keeping their families regularly informed of ongoing efforts.
The missing men — Husanpreet Singh from Sangrur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar, and Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur — had travelled to Iran with hopes of onward travel to Australia. However, their families report that the three were reportedly held captive by traffickers demanding large sums of money for their release.
Embassy Statement and Diplomatic Efforts
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the Indian Embassy said, “Family members of three Indian citizens have informed the Embassy of India that their relatives are missing after having travelled to Iran.”
The Embassy added, “We have taken up the matter strongly with Iranian authorities and requested that the missing Indians be urgently traced and their safety ensured. We are keeping the family members regularly updated on the efforts being made by the Embassy.”
Who Are the Missing Indians?
According to reports including those by the Hindustan Times, the three missing men are:
- Husanpreet Singh, resident of Sangrur district, Punjab
- Jaspal Singh, resident of SBS Nagar district, Punjab
- Amritpal Singh, resident of Hoshiarpur district, Punjab
The three had left Punjab with plans to travel to Australia via Iran but lost contact with their families after arriving in Tehran on May 2.
Details of Disappearance and Captivity Allegations
The families of the missing men allege that the three were taken captive by human traffickers soon after their arrival in Iran. Amritpal Singh’s mother, Gurdip Kaur, lodged a formal complaint with the local police stating that her son had called her on May 2 confirming he had reached Iran. He had assured her that he would be sent to Australia shortly.
However, an hour later, Amritpal called again, revealing that he and the other two young men had been detained by traffickers demanding ransom money. The captors reportedly claimed they had not been paid by their agents.
According to Gurdip Kaur, the traffickers demanded a ransom of ₹18 lakh (approximately USD 22,000) from each family through MoneyGram transfers. Efforts by the families to contact the travel agents who facilitated their travel failed, as the agents had reportedly fled and switched off their phones.
Human Trafficking Concerns and Indian Government Response
This incident has once again brought to light the dangers of illegal migration and human trafficking affecting vulnerable Indian citizens seeking better opportunities abroad. Indian authorities regularly warn citizens against falling prey to unlicensed travel agents and traffickers who promise easy passage to foreign countries through unlawful means.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian Embassy in Tehran have assured the families that they are working closely with Iranian law enforcement to locate the missing men and secure their release.
An official source from the MEA told TheTrendingPeople.com, “We are actively monitoring the situation and are in constant contact with Iranian authorities. Every effort is being made to trace and rescue the missing Indians.”
Background: Migration Routes and Risks via Iran
Punjab, along with other northern Indian states, has witnessed a rising trend of youth attempting to migrate illegally to western countries like Australia, Canada, and Europe, often via transit countries such as Iran, Turkey, and the Gulf nations.
Iran has become a critical transit hub for traffickers who exploit migrants, holding them for ransom or forcing them into bonded labour or other exploitative conditions.
Reports from multiple Indian media outlets have highlighted similar cases in recent years where migrants disappeared in Iran or neighboring countries after being promised safe passage abroad.
Community and Family Reactions
The families of Husanpreet, Jaspal, and Amritpal are in distress, appealing for government intervention and public support.
In an emotional statement, one family member said, “We are desperately waiting for news and hope that the government will bring our boys back safely. These traffickers have shattered our lives.”
Local community leaders in Punjab have also condemned the incident, urging authorities to crack down on illegal agents and provide safer legal avenues for migration.
What Authorities Are Doing
- The Indian Embassy in Tehran is coordinating with Iranian law enforcement agencies to track down the missing individuals.
- The MEA is in contact with families and providing necessary consular assistance.
- Local police in Punjab have registered FIRs based on complaints from the families and are investigating the travel agents involved.
- Efforts are underway to raise awareness about the risks of illegal migration and trafficking within affected communities.
Important Advisory for Indian Citizens
The government advises all Indian citizens to:
- Avoid unauthorized travel agents or illegal migration routes.
- Verify visas, travel documents, and immigration permissions before travelling abroad.
- Report any suspicious activities or human trafficking cases to local police or the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
- Utilize government-approved schemes and legal migration pathways wherever possible.
The case of the three missing Indians in Iran is a stark reminder of the human cost involved in illegal migration and trafficking networks. The Indian Embassy’s prompt diplomatic engagement with Iranian authorities reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad.
Families, communities, and authorities remain hopeful that a swift resolution will bring the missing men back safely to their homeland.
TheTrendingPeople.com will continue to follow this developing story and provide timely updates.
Sources:
- Indian Embassy, Tehran (official statements)
- Hindustan Times
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) releases
- Local Punjab police reports