Gujarat Family Kidnapped in Libya While Attempting Migration to Portugal

A family from India has been taken hostage in Libya. Kismatsinh Chavda, his wife Heenaben, and their three-year-old daughter were kidnapped in Benghazi. The incident occurred while they were attempting to immigrate to Portugal.

The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of ₹2 crore. Relatives in Mehsana, Gujarat, reported the crime to local authorities. According to PTI, officials have alerted India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Details of the International Kidnapping Emerge

The family’s journey began on November 29. They flew from Ahmedabad to Dubai. From there, they were taken to Benghazi City in Libya.

They were traveling with the help of an agent based in Portugal. The agent is not Indian. The family intended to settle in Portugal where Mr. Chavda’s brother lives.

Local police confirmed the sequence of events. Mehsana Superintendent of Police Himansh Solanki provided the details. The collector of Mehsana district has informed the state government.

Government Response and Wider Warnings

The case highlights the severe dangers of irregular migration. Families often rely on unauthorized agents. This can lead to exploitation and extreme danger.

The Indian government has been notified at the highest level. Such incidents trigger complex international rescue efforts. Authorities consistently warn citizens against using illegal migration channels.

The immediate focus is on ensuring the family’s safe release. Diplomatic channels are now actively engaged. The situation remains tense for the relatives awaiting news.

The kidnapping of this Gujarat family in Libya underscores critical risks in undocumented migration. International cooperation is now crucial for their safe return. This incident serves as a stark warning to others considering similar journeys.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Who was kidnapped in Libya?

Kismatsinh Chavda, his wife Heenaben, and their three-year-old daughter were kidnapped. They are from Badalpura village in Gujarat’s Mehsana district. The family was attempting to reach Portugal.

Q2: How much ransom are the kidnappers demanding?

The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of ₹2 crore. They contacted the family’s relatives in Mehsana with this demand. The police and collector are aware of the ransom request.

Q3: What is the Indian government doing?

The Mehsana Collector has informed the state government and the Ministry of External Affairs. Indian authorities are now engaged through diplomatic channels. Their goal is to secure the family’s safe release.

Q4: Why were they in Libya?

They were transiting through Libya en route to Portugal. An agent based in Portugal was facilitating their journey. They had flown from Ahmedabad to Dubai before reaching Benghazi.

Q5: What is the main warning from this incident?

The incident is a severe warning about the perils of irregular migration. Using unauthorized agents can lead to kidnapping and extortion. Authorities urge people to use only legal immigration pathways.