Two Indian nationals kidnapped in Azerbaijan, rescued in joint police operation

Indian media reported that two Indian nationals were abducted in Azerbaijan in an alleged human trafficking case, with kidnappers demanding ransom from their families.

The victims — 22-year-old Dhruv Patel and 32-year-old Dipika Patel from Anand district in Gujarat — were reportedly attempting to migrate illegally to the United States via an organised transit network.

According to reports, they travelled from Anand to Vadodara, then to Delhi, before flying to Baku on February 1. Upon arrival, intermediaries allegedly demanded additional payments. When they refused, they were abducted and held at a house on the outskirts of Baku.

Videos of violence were reportedly sent to their families via WhatsApp alongside ransom demands. A member of parliament from Gujarat contacted Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, after which the Indian embassy in Baku notified Azerbaijani authorities.

Within 24 hours, a joint operation by Indian and Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies resulted in the safe rescue of the hostages.

The victims are currently under the protection of the Indian embassy. An investigation into the alleged transnational criminal network is ongoing.

N.Tebrizli