2 Karnal youths kidnapped in Iran, tortured for ransom

Two youths from Karnal, who were on their journey to Europe via the ‘donkey route, have been kidnapped in Iran and the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of Rs 20 lakh from each family.

A disturbing video, which has gone viral, shows one of the victims stripped naked and beaten up with sticks. The families of the youths said the traffickers have threatened to kill them and sell their kidneys if the ransom was not paid.

The police, meanwhile, have registered FIRs against two agents for allegedly trafficking the youths to Europe through the ‘donkey route’.

Karnal SP Ganga Ram Punia said they had registered FIRs against Manish Kumar, a resident of Bastali in Karnal, and Ankush of Jadola in Kaithal district, under Section 24 of the Immigration Act, and Sections 308 (2), 316 (2), and 318 (4) of the BNS for luring the youths with a good job and life in Europe. “We have started investigation in both the cases,” said the SP.

The first case was registered at Sadar police station on the complaint of Parveen Kumar, a resident of Dadupur Roran village and brother of Pawan Kumar, while the second FIR was registered at Nigdhu police station on the complaint of Ankit of Jamba village and brother of Hritik Kumar.

Both the families had approached Manish Kumar of Bastali, who had an office in Kurukshetra. He referred the cases to Ankush. As per the FIRs, Ankush sent the victims to Kolkata on October 22, claiming that their visa process was underway at the embassy and they would soon fly abroad.

Days later, the families were informed that all the arrangements were in place and the tickets to Europe had been issued. The youths were sent to Bangkok first, from where they headed to Iran for their onward journey to Europe.

However, things went awry soon after their arrival in Iran on October 28. Their passports and phones were confiscated, and shortly after, the families began receiving the disturbing videos. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

Helpless, the families have urged the authorities to bring back the youths safely. The police have assured them that strict legal action will be taken against the accused and efforts are underway to trace and rescue the victims in coordination with higher agencies.