Eight from Karnataka’s Hakki-Pikki community stranded in Africa, passports seized
Davanagere: Eight members of Karnataka’s Hakki-Pikki tribal community, who had travelled to Central Africa to sell herbal medicines, are now reportedly stranded after local police seized their passports and allegedly demanded money for their release.
According to information received from their families, the group had gone to Africa nearly a year ago to market traditional herbal and Ayurvedic products, which is a common livelihood practice among the Hakki-Pikki community. However, they are now facing serious difficulties after authorities confiscated their travel documents.
It is alleged that the local police are demanding 1,500 US dollars to return the seized passports. The stranded group includes five people from the Hakki-Pikki camp in Shivamogga district, two from Gopanal village in Davanagere district, and one person from Mallenahalli in Chikkamagaluru district.
In a distress video message circulated on social media, the affected individuals have appealed to the Indian government for immediate help. “Please rescue us and bring us back to India as soon as possible,” they requested, stating that they are unable to return home without their passports.
Family members of the stranded persons have already approached the Ministry of External Affairs seeking urgent intervention. They have requested the government to take diplomatic steps to ensure the safe return of their relatives.
This is not the first time members of the Hakki-Pikki community have faced problems abroad. Many from the community travel to African countries to sell traditional medicines and herbal products, but often encounter legal and administrative issues due to lack of proper local support.
Concerned relatives are now anxiously waiting for assistance from Indian authorities. They have urged both the state and central governments to act swiftly and rescue the stranded group.
The incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by tribal communities from Karnataka who seek livelihood opportunities overseas without adequate protection and guidance.
