3 Gujarat Youths Held Captive in Ethiopia Return Home Without Ransom

MEHSANA: What began as an attempt to reach the US through illegal migration turned into a nightmare for three Gujarat residents allegedly held captive in Ethiopia, with agents demanding ₹1 crore from their families for their release. The three have now returned safely to India after intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs and Gujarat Police, without any ransom being paid.

Rutvik Jansari, a young man from Vadsma in Mehsana, Mamta Chavda from Gozariya and Mayuri from Gandhinagar arrived at Mumbai Airport around 3 am on Thursday after being rescued from their alleged captors in Ethiopia.

Family members from Vadsma travelled to Mumbai to receive them. Rutvik’s grandfather Kanubhai said the three had arrived safely and were on their way back to Mehsana.

“No money had to be paid for their release. The government provided significant assistance,” Kanubhai said.

Mehsana Superintendent of Police Himanshu Solanki said the district police remained in constant coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and provided the necessary documents and information for the rescue operation.

According to Solanki, direct communication was also established with the alleged captors in the presence of family members. Senior Indian officials reportedly exerted diplomatic pressure, explaining the legal consequences of the detention and also conveying the families’ financial circumstances.

“The Mehsana police maintained continuous coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and ensured that the required documents were submitted,” Solanki said.

The intervention eventually resulted in the three being released without the alleged ransom demand being paid.

The case has also prompted a crackdown on the agents who allegedly facilitated the illegal migration attempt. Langhanaj police have launched an investigation into suspected local agents from Mehsana and Vadodara who are believed to be connected with the network.

Authorities are examining the alleged trafficking and illegal migration racket and are working to identify others involved in sending people abroad through unsafe and unlawful routes.