Gujarati couple, 3-year-old daughter held hostage in Libya, ₹2 crore ransom demanded

A Gujarati couple and their three-year-old daughter have allegedly been abducted and held hostage in Libya after being deceived by travel agents while attempting to migrate to Europe. The family, residents of Badalpur (Meu) village in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, had left Dubai on December 1 for Portugal but were reportedly diverted to Libya instead.

According to family members, the couple Chavda Kismatsinh Bharatsinh and Chavda Heenaben Kismatsinhalong with their daughter Devanshi, were taken to an undisclosed location and threatened with death. On December 4, the abductors allegedly demanded a ransom of ₹2 crore, sending WhatsApp messages stating that the family was in their custody.

The victims’ relatives have approached the Mehsana Collector, seeking urgent intervention. The Collector has assured action and sought assistance from the Gujarat government and the Centre. MP Mayank Patel has also raised the issue at higher levels, and efforts are expected to be coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs to secure the family’s safe return.

Family members have claimed the abductors were Pakistani nationals speaking Urdu and alleged the involvement of a Dubai-based agent, identifying a person named Mehta Harshit Kamleshbhai in the alleged conspiracy. Initially, the ransom demand was USD 54,000, which was later raised to ₹2 crore.

Authorities are continuing efforts to verify details and facilitate the safe repatriation of the family.