Three Indian nationals from Gujarat who were abducted in Ethiopia while attempting to reach the United States via an illegal "Dunki" route have successfully returned home following diplomatic intervention and local law enforcement operations. The trio's ordeal ended after Indian authorities coordinated with international agencies to secure their safe release from hostage takers demanding a ₹1 crore ransom. Details of the "Dunki" Journey and KidnappingThe victims—identified as Rutvik Jansari (23) from Mehsana district, Mamta Chavda (30), and another female relative—departed India on September 20 with aspirations of entering the United States. Having repeatedly faced US visa rejections through formal channels, the family approached local human trafficking agents who offered transit through the illegal migration network popularly known as the "Dunki" route. The families reportedly agreed to pay travel facilitators between ₹60 lakh and ₹75 lakh per person in staggered installments. The itinerary structured by the agency involved a multi-leg transit: Domestic Transit: Travel from Gujarat to Rajasthan by road before reaching Jaipur. First International Leg: Flying from Jaipur to Abu Dhabi on commercial flights. African Transit Point: Flying from Abu Dhabi to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, using valid short-term e-visas. Upon arriving in Ethiopia's capital, the group was housed at a local transit camp on Swaziland Street. On September 22, the travelers briefly contacted their families, mistakenly believing or being instructed to claim that they had successfully landed in Canada. Shortly afterward, all communication ceased, and the families received extortion demands from an unknown caller demanding a ₹1 crore ransom for their release. Coordination, Rescue, and Return HomeRecognizing that the travelers were held captive by an armed criminal network in Addis Ababa, the families lodged formal missing person complaints with the Langhnaj Police Station in Mehsana district and petitioned state authorities for urgent intervention. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), working through the Embassy of India in Addis Ababa, immediately liaised with Ethiopian security agencies and international law enforcement bodies. Following targeted intelligence gathering and local law enforcement raids in Addis Ababa, the abductors were intercepted, leading to the unconditional rescue of all three individuals.Following health checks and administrative clearances by Ethiopian immigration authorities, the three Gujarat residents were repatriated to India, landing safely back in Gujarat to rejoin their families.Crackdown on Illegal Trafficking NetworksThe high-profile kidnapping has triggered sweeping investigations by the Gujarat Police and national law enforcement agencies against local sub-agents and illegal immigration syndicates operating across North Gujarat.Investigators have detained local intermediaries who collected cash installments from the families, examining bank accounts, hawala channels, and electronic communication logs. Authorities are working to unravel the wider transnational syndicate that uses African and South American nations as transit holding points for undocumented migrants targeting North America. Government Advisory Against Unlawful MigrationFollowing the safe return of the victims, government representatives and police officials issued strong public warnings against relying on illegal human traffickers.Authorities reiterated that "Dunki" routes expose aspiring migrants to extreme dangers, including armed abduction, extortion, human trafficking, and severe legal consequences in foreign jurisdictions. The state government urged citizens to pursue only verified, lawful visa channels and report rogue travel agencies operating unauthorized migration schemes.
