Gujarat : Four Hostages from Mansa Taluka Return Safely from Iran After Dramatic Rescue Efforts

Four residents of Bapupura village in Mansa, Gandhinagar — kidnapped in Iran while en route to Australia — have safely returned home following swift intervention by Indian authorities and local leaders.

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Gandhinagar | Gujarat — The families of the four residents of Bapupura village in Mansa taluka have finally breathed a sigh of relief after their loved ones, who were held hostage in Iran, returned home safely to Gujarat. The four individuals — Ajaykumar Kantibhai Chaudhary, Priyaben Ajaykumar Chaudhary, Anilkumar Raghjibhai Chaudhary, and Nikhilkumar Ramanbhai Chaudhary — landed at Ahmedabad airport via Delhi before leaving for their hometown, Mansa.

According to officials, all four returnees will be interrogated by the local crime branch to gather details about their ordeal. Authorities will question them about how they left India, the agent involved, the travel route taken, visa details, and the atrocities they faced while in captivity. If the victims wish to lodge a formal complaint, the police will register a case.

The Ordeal: Kidnapped in Iran, Ransom Demand Sent to Families

Earlier this month, it was reported that four people from Bapupura village were abducted in Iran after they set out on an unauthorized journey to Australia. According to sources, a man named Baba Khan from Tehran held them hostage and demanded a ransom of ₹2 crore from their families.

Disturbing videos sent to the families showed the victims stripped naked, beaten, and lying face down, their hands and faces tied with cloth. The horrifying visuals sent shockwaves through Mansa and the wider Gandhinagar district.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Mansa MLA J.S. Patel wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking immediate help from the central government.

Swift Action by Authorities

The rescue operation was the result of quick coordination between state and central government officials. Bapupura village Sarpanch Prakashbhai Chaudhary expressed gratitude to the leaders who acted promptly.

“It is a moment of immense relief for our entire village,” said Prakashbhai Chaudhary. “We thank Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi, MLA J.S. Patel, and former MLA Amit Chaudhary for working tirelessly through the night to bring our children home safely. I also thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring the safe return of our youth.”

Local MLA Confirms Government Support

MLA J.S. Patel, who played a key role in raising the matter at the national level, confirmed that the Gujarat government actively assisted in securing the release of the hostages.

“The government extended full support in bringing back the youth from Iran,” said Patel. “I will meet the families in Mansa to understand their situation better.”

Investigation Underway

Upon arrival, the four were taken to the local crime branch office for questioning. Police will investigate the human trafficking network and agents involved in sending people abroad illegally through dangerous routes.

Officials believe the case could expose a larger racket operating in North Gujarat, luring people with promises of high-paying jobs overseas.

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