Gujarat family kidnapped in Libya; ransom demand of ₹1 crore made

Ahmedabad: A couple from Mehsana district in Gujarat and their three-year-old daughter have been kidnapped in Libya, with the abductors reportedly demanding a ransom of ₹1 crore for their release. The case came to light after the family reached out to authorities seeking assistance.

According to sources, the family, consisting of Kismat Chavda, his wife Hina, and their young daughter, had initially tried to settle in Portugal despite not having valid visas. They had sought the help of a travel agent from Anand district to facilitate their travel.

The family reportedly flew to Dubai on November 29 before being taken to Libya without their knowledge, where they were held hostage. On December 4, the kidnappers reportedly informed that the family would only be released once the ransom demand was met.

The incident has prompted urgent appeals to the central government for intervention. Rajya Sabha MP Mayank Nayak has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging immediate action to ensure the family’s safety. Officials from Mehsana district have also petitioned the central authorities to intervene promptly.

Travel agent Harshit K. Mehta had allegedly promised to send the family from Dubai to Portugal, but instead, they were diverted to Libya and forcibly held. The family’s ordeal has drawn comparisons to a similar case reported in October, when four Gujaratis attempting to travel illegally to Australia were kidnapped in Iran. The abductors in that case had demanded ₹2 crore, and the family was safely returned after central government intervention.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with international agencies to ensure the safe return of the Mehsana family. The case has highlighted the dangers posed by unscrupulous travel agents and illegal migration routes, with officials warning the public to exercise extreme caution.

The Ministry of External Affairs and Gujarat state authorities are actively engaged in communication with Libyan officials to facilitate the rescue and safe return of the hostages. The government has also urged citizens to avoid traveling through unverified agents or illegal channels, as such routes significantly increase vulnerability to criminal acts such as kidnapping.

This incident underscores ongoing risks faced by Indian citizens abroad, particularly in regions with unstable security situations, and reinforces the need for stringent travel protocols and immediate reporting of suspicious circumstances.

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