A Gujarati couple, whose American dream turned into a nightmare after being abducted in Iran, have been freed and are set to return to Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Pankaj Patel and his wife Nisha ended up in Iran after planning to enter the US illegally.
In mid-June, the couple were taken to Hyderabad by smuggling agents. From there, they were escorted to Dubai. They were told by the agents helping them that they would go to the US from Iran.
However, Nisha called up Sanket, her brother-in-law and Pankaj’s brother, saying they have been abducted and badly needed help. While earlier reports indicated that the abductors were Pakistanis, their identities are yet to be confirmed.
The release happened after the abductors were paid nearly Rs 15 lakh.
Four days ago, the video of Pankaj being tortured had gone viral after which Pankaj and Nisha’s family approached the police. Nisha is believed to be pregnant.
Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered against two agents Pintubhai Goswami and Abhaybhai Raval. They are reported to have helped the couple to get in touch with Hyderabad-based Shakeel, who reportedly arranged their transit from Hyderabad to Iran. A team of the Crime Branch have left for Hyderabad.
Sources said that once the couple settles down from the trauma that they have undergone, the police would also speak to them. The Gujarat Police and the Gujarat Government officials had reportedly spoken to the Iranian Embassy for help.