World · India Bureau
Three Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia; families suspect abduction
Three residents from Gujarat who departed India for the United States on September 20 have gone missing in Ethiopia, with their families alleging abduction and reporting a ransom demand of ₹1 crore. The trio had engaged agents from Mehsana and Vadodara districts to facilitate their travel.
LSN India ·
Three Gujarat residents traveling to the United States have disappeared in Ethiopia, prompting their families to file reports of alleged abduction and extortion. The three individuals left India on September 20 through arrangements made by migration agents, according to family members who have since lost contact with them.
The families have alleged that the missing persons have been abducted and are demanding a ransom of ₹1 crore for their release. The travelers had engaged the services of an agent from Mehsana district, who reportedly connected them with a counterpart based in Vadodara to organize their international travel.
The disappearance has raised fresh concerns about the dangers faced by Indian migrants attempting to reach Western countries through intermediaries. Authorities in Gujarat have been informed of the incident, though details regarding any ongoing investigation remain limited at present.
The case underscores the risks associated with migration networks operating across South Asia, where travelers frequently encounter exploitation and criminal activity during transit through third countries. Families of the missing persons have appealed to both Indian and Ethiopian authorities for urgent assistance in locating the three residents.