Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Gujarat couple held hostage in Iran by Pakistani agent released

The victims from Naroda in Ahmedabad were held hostage by the agent who has sought money for their release

Gujarat couple held hostage in Iran by Pakistani agent released

A couple from Gujarat, who were kidnapped in Iran by a Pakistani agent, have been released and is scheduled to return to Ahmedabad on Wednesday (21), according to reports.

Pankaj Patel and his wife Nisha, both 29-years-old, found themselves in Iran after attempting to illegally enter the US. Their dreams of a better life took a dark turn when they were abducted.


On Tuesday (20), the Ahmedabad police initiated legal proceedings against two agents for their involvement in the case. The agents had deceived the couple by offering to facilitate their illegal entry into the US, but instead held them captive and demanded ransom.

The family members of the couple, who were concerned about their safety, reported the incident to the police.

An FIR was lodged at Krushnanagar police station against Pintubhai Goswami and Abhaybhai Jitendrabhai Raval, both residents of Ahmedabad. They have been charged with kidnapping, breach of trust, cheating, and criminal conspiracy.

As per the 7-page FIR, Pankaj came into contact with accused agent Raval, who made a promise to him and his four-month pregnant wife, Nisha, that he would arrange their illegal entry into the US for over £110,000.

On June 2, they followed the planned itinerary and traveled to Hyderabad. They met a local agent named Shakil and obtained their visas for Iran after ten days.

On June 12, accompanied by an agent named Muniruddin Sidiqqui, the couple departed for Iran to reach Mexico and entering the US illegally.

Upon reaching Tehran, they were taken to a hotel by a Pakistani agent who held them captive, demanding a ransom.

According to reports, the Pakistani agent subjected the couple to physical assault, including cutting Pankaj's back with blades, and sent video clips of the ordeal to his brother Bharat, demanding a ransom of £14,000.

The FIR states that the local agent, Raval, instructed Bharat not to respond to the ransom calls. Furthermore, it revealed that the kidnapper began sending audio clips of Pankaj to Ramesh Chauhan, a colleague of Bharat, seeking ransom.

To further pressure the family, the kidnapper sent audio and video clips of Pankaj being beaten up and seeking help to his friend Priyank in Ahmedabad.

Later, the kidnapper even posted these videos as status messages on Pankaj's WhatsApp number.

According to police sources, the local agent Raval allegedly transferred the amount to the kidnapper through a courier firm. Finally, on Monday (19), the kidnapper released the couple in Tehran.

(with inputs from PTI)

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less