Gujarat Duo Rescued from Azerbaijan Trafficking Ring, Safe at Indian Embassy
Vadodara: In a dramatic rescue operation, a man from Jhankhariya village and a woman from Vasad in Anand district, who were allegedly trafficked and held hostage in Azerbaijan, are now secure at the Indian embassy there. Anand MP Mitesh Patel confirmed this development on Tuesday, highlighting a swift response from authorities.
Swift Action by MEA Ensures Safety
Addressing media persons, Patel revealed that the two victims were provided safety within 24 hours after the matter was escalated to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The victims, identified as Dhruv Patel and Dipika Patel, were allegedly deceived by agents who promised to facilitate their travel to the United States via Canada. Their families had earlier reported extortion, physical assault, and threats of organ trafficking, with a total ransom of Rs 65 lakh paid, partly in cryptocurrency.
Patel explained that after the parents approached him for help, he met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and senior MEA officials in New Delhi on Monday during the ongoing Parliament session. "Thanks to the prompt intervention by the MEA, action was taken swiftly, and the victims were traced and provided protection," he stated, praising the coordinated efforts.
Detailed Timeline of the Trafficking Incident
According to a detailed representation submitted earlier by the MP to the Union Home Ministry, MEA, and Indian missions abroad, the sequence of events unfolded as follows:
- The two individuals left Vadodara for Delhi on January 30 on separate flights.
- They stayed at a Mahipalpur hotel arranged by the agents.
- On February 1, they flew from Delhi to Baku on an Azerbaijan Airlines flight.
Upon arrival in Azerbaijan, their mobile phones were allegedly switched off on the agents' instructions. The families later received distressing video calls showing Dhruv being assaulted and were threatened with dire consequences if the ransom was not paid.
Ransom Payments and Financial Details
The representation provided specific details on the ransom payments:
- Dhruv's family paid Rs 35 lakh in cash to the original agent in Mumbai.
- They also paid Rs 15 lakh in USDT cryptocurrency to a suspected handler.
- Dipika's family paid another Rs 15 lakh in cryptocurrency.
This highlights the sophisticated and illicit methods used by the traffickers to extort money from vulnerable families.
Police Investigation and Ongoing Efforts
On the complaint lodged by the family members of the victims, the Anand Town police registered an FIR against five persons and handed over the probe to the local crime branch (LCB). Efforts are currently underway to trace and arrest the Mumbai-based agents involved in the alleged trafficking racket. This case underscores the need for stringent action against illegal migration networks.
Public Appeal and Warning
Patel appealed to youths and their families to exercise caution and not fall prey to illegal travel agents promising overseas migration through unofficial routes. "It is crucial to verify the credentials of agents and use only official channels for international travel to avoid such harrowing experiences," he emphasized, urging public awareness to prevent future incidents.
The rescue of Dhruv and Dipika serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of government intervention in protecting citizens abroad. The MEA's rapid response has been lauded as a model for handling such crises, ensuring the safety of Indians in distress overseas.
