Delhi Police Confirm Return of Three Gujarat Nationals Missing on Illegal Route to US

Delhi police have verified that three Gujarat nationals who vanished while using a suspected illegal migration corridor to the United States have been repatriated to India. The individuals – Rutfik Jansari, Mamta Chavda and Mayuri – reached Mumbai Airport early Thursday and were subsequently dispatched to Mehshana, their district of origin.

Inspector Ankush Gehlot of Langanj Police said the trio arrived at approximately 3 a.m. after coordinated efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs and local officials. They were immediately transferred to their hometown.

Investigators have uncovered possible links between the kidnappers and a criminal outfit known as the “Baba Khan Network.” The police are examining the network’s role, the alleged kidnapping, and a hefty ransom claim.

The three set off from Gujarat on September 20, allegedly paying agents several million rupees each for passage. Their itinerary included Jaipur, Abu Dhabi and finally Ethiopia, after which family contact was lost on September 22.

Mamta’s father reported that Mamta’s husband had earlier moved to the United States on a student visa. After multiple failed attempts to secure a US visa, the family turned to intermediaries, initially contacting a man named Jitu Bhai, who introduced them to Vadodara agents Alpes Patel and Bhagwan Patel.

Sources indicate the agreed payment for the illegal route was about 75 lakh rupees per passenger, though earlier statements suggested a figure close to 70 lakh rupees. In Ethiopia, a person identifying himself as “Khan” allegedly demanded one crore rupees for release, despite a prior payment of 60 lakh rupees purportedly made to secure their safety.

The case highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants from Gujarat who resort to unsafe, unlawful pathways to reach foreign destinations, adding to a string of fatal incidents reported over the past few years.