Two Gujarat sisters rescued from Laos after alleged human trafficking ordeal

Two sisters from Gujarat's Anand district who reportedly had gone missing for nearly 20 days have been rescued from Laos following a joint operation involving Indian and Laotian authorities, officials said.

As per reports, the sisters, residents of Borsad taluka in Anand district, had travelled to Thailand in search of employment opportunities. However, they were allegedly taken to neighbouring Laos after their arrival.

The family reportedly lost contact with the two women for nearly 20 days, prompting fears that they had fallen victim to a human trafficking network.

Seeking assistance, the family approached Anand MP Mitesh Patel, who took up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy, and other diplomatic authorities.

Officials reportedly said a coordinated rescue operation, named ‘Operation Mahisagar 2.0’, was launched with the involvement of the Indian Embassy, the Ministry of External Affairs, Laos police, and the Laos army.

The two sisters were subsequently traced and rescued from Houaphanh province in Laos.

Following the rescue, the Indian Embassy facilitated a video call between the sisters and their family members, as per reports.

Officials confirmed that both women are safe and currently under the care of local authorities in Laos.

Necessary legal and administrative procedures are being completed to facilitate their return to India, officials said.