Three Indian men from Punjab have gone missing in Tehran, Iran, after arriving on a stopover en route to Australia. The Iranian Embassy confirmed it is investigating the case and coordinating with Indian authorities. The missing men were reportedly kidnapped shortly after arrival, and their families allege that unknown abductors are demanding a ransom of ₹5 million (about $63,000).
The men had been promised jobs in Australia through a travel agent in Punjab. One of the victims, Amritpal Singh, contacted his family from Tehran shortly after landing, but later called again in distress, claiming he had been kidnapped. Since then, his family has received disturbing video calls showing the men injured and held hostage. The kidnappers initially demanded ₹20 million but later reduced it to ₹5.4 million.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran is closely monitoring the situation, while local authorities in Punjab have filed complaints and are investigating the travel agents involved. This case highlights the growing dangers of illegal immigration scams, where agents lure people with false promises and send them through unauthorized routes. The Iranian Embassy has urged Indian citizens to avoid dealing with unauthorized agencies to prevent such tragedies.
