Ahmedabad family allegedly held hostage abroad after London travel promise, ransom demand made

An Ahmedabad family that allegedly travelled abroad after being promised passage to London is suspected to have been held hostage by kidnappers, who are now demanding ransom from relatives in Gujarat, according to a police complaint lodged in the city.

Police said the complaint was filed after Shreya Yamekar approached authorities reporting that she had lost contact with her parents and two brothers, who had allegedly left India through an unauthorised immigration network operating under the pretext of overseas employment and settlement in the United Kingdom.

According to the complaint, Shreya’s father, Kirankumar Srinivas Yamekar, mother Vaishaliben Kirankumar Yamekar, elder brother Rudra Kirankumar Yamekar and younger brother Abhishek Kirankumar Yamekar had expressed a desire to travel abroad to earn money and secure better employment opportunities.

Around two months ago, Vaishaliben allegedly informed the family that she had come into contact with a travel agent through Facebook. The agent, identified as Pritesh Joshi, reportedly operated an office in Chandkheda, Ahmedabad. He allegedly assured the family that he would arrange visas, employment and all necessary documentation for the four members to settle in London, UK.

Investigators said the family subsequently agreed to travel abroad through the alleged agent network. Police sources added that the family is believed to have travelled through multiple international transit points as part of an illegal immigration route.

As per the complaint filed on May 4, Shreya’s husband allegedly received a WhatsApp voice call from an unidentified number. The caller allegedly identified himself as 'Khan Baba' and claimed responsibility for abducting the family.

“I am Khan Baba. I have kidnapped your family. The agent through whom you sent them has sold them to me. Pay the amount fixed in the deal and I will allow them to move ahead. If you inform anyone, none of them will remain alive,” the caller allegedly said, according to the complaint.

Police said the complainant subsequently received repeated voice messages and photographs of her brothers from different unidentified mobile numbers, along with repeated demands for money. The complainant alleged that she has been unable to establish contact with her parents and brothers ever since.

Sources said the accused initially demanded a ransom of ₹1 crore, which was later allegedly reduced to ₹30 lakh. Investigators are also examining disturbing audio clips in which family members can allegedly be heard pleading for help and urging relatives to arrange money for their release.

Officials said the case bears similarities to previous human trafficking and illegal immigration rackets in which Indian families attempting to travel abroad through “donkey route” networks were allegedly extorted or detained by organised criminal groups operating across international transit points.

The Ahmedabad Crime Branch and Gomtipur police have initiated an investigation into the matter and are examining digital evidence, including WhatsApp messages, audio recordings and photographs shared with the complainant.

Police officials said efforts are under way to trace the family’s route, establish their current location and identify the agents and other persons allegedly involved in the trafficking and extortion network.

No official confirmation has yet been issued regarding the country in which the family is currently being held.