New Delhi/Tehran– The Indian government has confirmed it is in close contact with Iranian authorities to locate three Indian nationals who went missing after arriving in Tehran earlier this month.
The three men, identified as Jaspal Singh, Hushanpreet Singh, and Amritpal Singh—all residents of Punjab—reportedly disappeared on May 1, shortly after landing in the Iranian capital.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, said: “The three Indian nationals who had landed there some time ago are missing. We are in touch with the Iranian authorities to locate them, ensure their safety and security, and facilitate their eventual return home. We are in daily contact with the authorities there and are receiving good cooperation from the Iranian side. We are also in touch with the families of the missing people and extending all possible help.”
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Tehran confirmed it had taken up the matter with Iranian officials: “Family members of the three Indian citizens have informed the Embassy of India that their relatives are missing after having travelled to Iran. The Embassy has strongly taken up this matter with the Iranian authorities and requested that the missing Indians be urgently traced and their safety ensured. We are also keeping the family members regularly updated on the efforts being made.”
According to reports, the three men were lured by an agent in Punjab who had promised to arrange their passage to Australia via the Dubai-Iran route, allegedly offering accommodation in Iran. However, they were reportedly kidnapped shortly after their arrival. Families claim the abductors have demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore, and that the ransom calls have come from Pakistani phone numbers.
India has previously issued travel advisories for citizens planning to visit Iran, urging travelers to exercise caution, stay in regular contact with Indian missions, and remain vigilant. (Source: IANS)
