Tehran: Iranian authorities confirmed on May 29, 2025, that they are actively investigating the disappearance of three Indian nationals who went missing shortly after arriving in Tehran on May 1. The three men, identified as Hushanpreet Singh from Sangrur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar, and Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, were reportedly kidnapped and held for ransom.
According to statements from the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, the Consular Affairs Department of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is collaborating with judicial authorities to resolve the case. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has been regularly updated and is closely engaged in efforts to secure the men's safe return.
The Indian nationals reportedly arrived in Tehran via a route arranged by an agent in Punjab, who had promised to facilitate their onward travel to Australia through Dubai and Iran. However, soon after their arrival, they were abducted and held hostage. The kidnappers allegedly demanded a ransom of ₹1 crore and threatened to kill the men if their demands were not met.
Families of the missing men have confirmed receiving disturbing photos and videos showing the victims with bound hands and visible injuries. Initial communication occurred in the days following the kidnapping, but contact was lost after May 11. The agent responsible for arranging their travel is now reported missing, and an FIR has been filed against him in Hoshiarpur on May 16.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has urged Iranian authorities to prioritize tracing and ensuring the safety of the missing men. Meanwhile, the Iranian Embassy has advised Indian citizens to exercise caution when traveling abroad and warned against trusting unauthorized agencies promising illegal travel routes.
This incident highlights the increasing risks posed by fraudulent travel agents exploiting desperate migrants. Both Indian and Iranian governments continue to coordinate closely as investigations proceed.
