Indians Kidnapped in Azerbaijan, Tortured on Video to Parents as Kidnappers Threaten Kidney Removal Unless $78K Is Paid

What began as a dream to build a new life in the United States turned into a nightmare for two young people from India, who were kidnapped and tortured in Azerbaijan after attempting to migrate through an illegal route. They were later rescued following diplomatic intervention by Indian authorities in an operation codenamed “Operation Mahisagar.”

Dhruv Patel, 22, and Deepika Patel, 32, both from Kanthariya village in Gujarat’s Anand district, had hoped to settle in the United States. Their journey, however, took a dangerous turn after they agreed to travel via the so-called “donkey route,” an illegal migration pathway used by some South Asian nationals seeking entry into the US.

The pair began their journey on January 30, traveling from Anand to Vadodara and then to New Delhi. They met at Delhi airport before flying onward. Their travel arrangements were handled by a Mumbai-based agent who promised to take them to the United States through the illegal network.

Dhruv reportedly paid around Rs 35 lakh ($39K) for the arrangement, while Deepika paid about Rs 15 lakh ($17K).

The “donkey route,” also known as the “dunki route,” involves traveling across multiple countries—often through forests and remote regions—before eventually attempting to enter the United States. It is considered highly dangerous and is operated by organized smuggling networks.

On February 1, the two arrived in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Shortly after landing, they were instructed by the agent to switch off their mobile phones.

According to reports, once in Baku, a man identified as Pawan demanded additional money to allow them to proceed further. He also told them not to send any more payments to the original Mumbai-based agent.

When Dhruv and Deepika refused, the situation escalated. The following morning, they were allegedly kidnapped and taken to a secluded house, where they were locked in a basement.

Dhruv was reportedly assaulted, and his family was forced to watch the torture through WhatsApp video calls. The kidnappers allegedly threatened that if a ransom was not paid, his kidneys would be removed and sold.

In a state of panic, the families managed to arrange Rs 65 lakh ($78K) to secure their release. Around half of the ransom was reportedly paid through cryptocurrency. Despite this, the kidnappers continued to demand more money.

With no other options left, the families contacted Anand Member of Parliament Mitesh Patel. He raised the matter with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi and sought urgent intervention.

The Indian Embassy in Baku was alerted, and a rescue mission was launched under the codename “Operation Mahisagar.” Diplomatic pressure was applied to Azerbaijani authorities.

Within 24 hours of the intervention, Indian officials located Dhruv and Deepika and rescued them from their captors. They are currently under the protection of the Indian Embassy in Azerbaijan, and legal formalities are underway to facilitate their return to India.

Mitesh Patel described the case as “deeply disturbing” and warned young people against falling for what he called dangerous shortcuts offered by fraudulent agents. He stated that he contacted the External Affairs Minister immediately after receiving the information and thanked the government for its swift response.

Relieved family members in Anand expressed gratitude to both the MP and the Indian government for the rescue.

Investigations suggest that the kidnappers were allegedly linked to a gang led by individuals identified as Pawan Rocky and an Iranian national known as “Baba Khan.” The group is reportedly connected to previous kidnappings involving youths from Gujarat’s Mansa region.

Meanwhile, Gujarat police have launched a search for five Mumbai-based agents believed to have been involved in arranging the illegal journey.

The case shows the risks associated with illegal migration networks operating across multiple countries. Despite repeated warnings, the promise of better opportunities abroad continues to push some young people into the hands of organized smuggling groups.

Authorities in India have once again urged citizens to avoid illegal migration routes and to verify the credentials of agents offering overseas travel or employment opportunities.

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