Three residents of Gujarat who reportedly began a journey to the United States through an unauthorised migration route have gone missing in Ethiopia, leaving their families deeply concerned about their safety.
The missing individuals have been identified as Rutvik Jansari from Mehsana, Mamta Chavda from Ahmedabad and Mayuri from Gandhinagar. The three, who are relatives, reportedly left Gujarat on September 20 after approaching agents who allegedly promised to arrange their journey to the US.
According to family members, contact with the trio was lost after September 22. A missing persons complaint has since been registered, and authorities are working to determine their whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
Families Allege Ransom Demand
Relatives have alleged that the three were taken captive after reaching Ethiopia and that those holding them demanded ₹1 crore for their release.
Rutvik's grandfather reportedly claimed that around ₹60 lakh had already been paid following the alleged ransom demand. However, the kidnapping and payment claims have not yet been independently confirmed by authorities.
Reports suggest the journey involved several intermediaries. The families allegedly approached agents after Mamta was unable to secure a US visa despite multiple attempts.
The agents are said to have offered an unauthorised route to the United States, reportedly charging between ₹70 lakh and ₹75 lakh per person.
Case Highlights Risks of Illegal Migration Routes
The incident has again drawn attention to the dangers associated with irregular migration networks. People unable to obtain visas through legal channels can become vulnerable to agents promising alternative routes in exchange for large sums of money.
Such journeys may involve travel through several countries, unfamiliar intermediaries and little legal protection, potentially exposing travellers to fraud, detention, extortion or other serious risks.
Authorities are still investigating what happened to the three Gujarat residents after they reached Ethiopia. Their families have appealed for urgent assistance in locating them and ensuring their safe return.
For now, the case remains one of missing persons accompanied by serious kidnapping and ransom allegations from relatives. Officials have yet to establish the full sequence of events or confirm who may be responsible.
