Indian couple, 3-year-old daughter held hostage in Libya; Rs 1 crore demanded from Gujarati family

Ahmedabad: A Gujarati couple, along with their three-year-old daughter from Mehsana district, have been kidnapped in Libya and a ransom of Rs 1 crore has been demanded by the abductors for their release.

The matter came to light after the family pleaded with the authorities to ensure their safe return.

According to information, the couple was attempting to settle in Portugal without valid visas through an agent who is said to be from Karamsad in Anand district. They had initially flown to Dubai, from where the agents allegedly sent them to Libya.

A letter has been written by Mayank Nayak, the Rajya Sabha MP, to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking government intervention to rescue the family. Mehsana district officials have also written a letter asking for immediate intervention.

According to these letters, Kismat Chavda, his wife Hina and their three-year-old daughter, all residents of Badalpur, had left for Dubai on November 29.

Their travel agent, identified as Harshit K Mehta, had promised to send them to Portugal. Instead, after reaching Dubai, they were taken to Libya without their knowledge, where they have been kept in captivity.

On December 4, the family received threats demanding a ransom for their release.

Earlier in October, four Gujaratis on their way to Australia illegally were kidnapped in Iran and a ransom of Rs 2 crore was sought. They returned safely following the Union government's intervention.

The agents took them to Delhi, Bangkok, Dubai and Tehran, where they were held captive.