Three Gujarat Residents Rescued After Alleged Kidnapping in Ethiopia

Three residents from Gujarat, who went missing in Ethiopia while trying to migrate illegally to the United States, have been rescued and are returning home. The individuals had reportedly paid large sums to agents for their journey. After losing contact with their families, a ransom demand was made for their release. This incident highlights the dangers of illegal migration routes, as similar tragedies have occurred in the past. Authorities are investigating the alleged kidnapping and the role of the agents involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 1, 2026, 17:23 IST

Gujarat Residents Return Home

File image of the victims allegedly kidnapped in Ethiopia(Photo: IANS)

On October 1, police confirmed that three individuals from Gujarat, who had gone missing in Ethiopia while trying to illegally migrate to the United States, have safely returned to India. The trio, consisting of Rutvik Jansari, Mamta Chavda, and Mayuri, departed from Gujarat on September 20 after allegedly paying substantial sums to agents for their journey.

According to Langhnaj Police Inspector Ankush Gehlot, they arrived at Mumbai airport at 3 a.m. today, thanks to the coordination of the Ministry of External Affairs and local authorities. They are currently en route to their hometown in Mehsana.

The police have reportedly identified the alleged kidnappers as part of the 'Baba Khan network', although investigations are ongoing.

The three individuals traveled through Jaipur and Abu Dhabi before reaching Ethiopia, where their families lost contact with them after September 22. Mamta Chavda’s father, Kirit Chauhan, subsequently reported their disappearance to the Langhnaj police.

As per the complaint, Mamta’s husband, Chiragkumar, had previously traveled to the US on a student visa about six months ago. Mamta had made six unsuccessful attempts to secure a US visa, prompting her family to seek help from intermediaries for illegal travel.

Initially, the family contacted an individual named Jitubhai, who connected them with Alpesh Patel, a local agent in Mehsana. Alpesh then introduced them to Bhargav Patel from Vadodara. The cost for the journey was reportedly set at around Rs 75 lakh per person.

Family members had earlier stated that they paid approximately Rs 70 lakh per person to the agents. After arriving in Ethiopia, a man claiming to be 'Khan' contacted the family, demanding Rs one crore for their release.

Rutvik’s grandfather, Kanubhai Jansari, mentioned that Rs 60 lakh was paid after the trio was allegedly taken captive, but the demand for the full amount persisted.

The families sought government assistance for their safe return, highlighting a troubling trend of Gujaratis attempting to reach the US through illegal routes. In January 2022, a family from Dingucha tragically froze to death while trying to cross from Canada into the US, and in 2023, another family from Mehsana drowned in the St Lawrence River during a similar attempt.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the alleged kidnapping, the ransom demands, and the involvement of the agents who facilitated the journey.