rescue – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com Mainstreaming Alternate Sun, 21 Sep 2025 13:25:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 https://thecommunemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cropped-TC_SF-1-32x32.jpg rescue – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com 32 32 Modiplomacy: How India Under Modi Govt Intervened To Avert Executions Of Indians Residing Abroad https://thecommunemag.com/modiplomacy-how-india-under-modi-govt-intervened-to-avert-executions-of-indians-residing-abroad/ Sun, 21 Sep 2025 13:25:54 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=121790 The execution of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of her Yemeni employer, has been temporarily postponed. Her execution, originally scheduled for 16 July 2025, was stayed following urgent diplomatic and legal interventions by the Indian government, offering a brief reprieve as negotiations continue. The […]

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The execution of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of her Yemeni employer, has been temporarily postponed. Her execution, originally scheduled for 16 July 2025, was stayed following urgent diplomatic and legal interventions by the Indian government, offering a brief reprieve as negotiations continue.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Indian officials had maintained regular contact with Yemeni prison authorities and the prosecutor’s office, despite the country’s ongoing civil unrest. The government had appealed for additional time to allow Priya’s family to negotiate a possible pardon with the victim’s kin under Yemen’s Sharia law, which permits clemency in exchange for “blood money.” However, the victim’s family has so far rejected all reconciliation attempts.

Indian authorities also reached out to influential Yemeni leaders and formally requested the public prosecutor to defer the execution—a request that the Yemeni court accepted. Consular support was extended to Priya, legal counsel was appointed, and family visits to Yemen were facilitated. Diplomatic pressure was reportedly coordinated through friendly Gulf nations and regional intermediaries.

No Indian Left Behind

This is just one of the many cases where the Indian government under Prime Minister Modi has gone above and beyond to rescue Indians living abroad. One can recollect the famous words of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who said, “Even if you are stuck on the Mars, Indian Embassy there will help you.”

Yes, these seem to pertain to the rescue missions during war-like situations or during calamities. Nevertheless, here is a look at those instances where the Indian government rescued Indians abroad, from grave punishment.

#1 Nimisha Priya Execution Postponed

Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for a 2017 murder, received a temporary reprieve as her July 16 execution was postponed. The Indian government intervened diplomatically and legally, urging Yemeni authorities to grant more time for her family to negotiate a pardon under Sharia law. Despite efforts, the victim’s family has rejected reconciliation. India maintained contact with Yemeni officials, appointed legal counsel, facilitated family visits, and sought support through Gulf allies. The Yemeni court accepted a formal request to defer execution, but Priya’s fate remains uncertain amid ongoing negotiations.

#2 5 Tamil Nadu Fishermen Who Were Sentenced To Death Released By Sri Lanka After Diplomatic Intervention

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough in 2014, Sri Lanka released five Tamil Nadu fishermen who had been sentenced to death on charges of drug smuggling. The men, Emerson, P. Augustus, R. Wilson, K. Prasath, and J. Langlet, were arrested in 2011, and their conviction and sentencing by a Colombo court in October 2014 had sparked widespread protests in Tamil Nadu. India consistently maintained that the men were innocent and took up their case with Sri Lankan authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally intervened, speaking with then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, leading to an agreement to transfer the fishermen to an Indian prison. Subsequently, President Rajapaksa commuted their death sentence and ordered their release. Indian officials in Colombo took custody of the fishermen, marking a major diplomatic success for New Delhi and bringing relief to the families, who had long claimed their loved ones were falsely implicated after allegedly straying into Sri Lankan waters.

As of 2025, a total of 3697 Indian fishermen have been freed since PM Modi took charge.

#3 UAE Pardons Indian Prisoners 

In a major diplomatic achievement, the United Arab Emirates pardoned 500 Indian prisoners on 28 March 2025, ahead of Ramzan. This brings the total number of Indian nationals released abroad due to the Modi government’s efforts to over 10,000. Sources credit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal rapport with global leaders and sustained diplomatic engagement for securing pardons across multiple countries. In recent years, the UAE alone has pardoned over 2,700 Indians. The move highlights India’s strong bilateral ties with the Gulf nation and underscores the government’s commitment to protecting Indian citizens overseas.

In total, so far, UAE has pardoned 2783 Indian prisoners. The other instances of pardon by the UAE include:

  • 2024: 944 Indian prisoners were pardoned ahead of Eid Al Fitr and UAE National Day.
  • 2023: Over 700 Indian prisoners received pardons from UAE authorities.
  • 2022: A total of 639 Indian prisoners were granted pardons.

#4 Qatar Frees 8 Indian Navy Veterans Who Were Sentenced To Death

Qatar released eight Indian Navy veterans on 12 February 2024. The men, detained in August 2022 and sentenced to death in October 2023 on undisclosed charges, allegedly espionage, had their sentences commuted to prison terms in December 2023 following sustained diplomatic efforts by India. The veterans, who were employed with Dahra Global, a private firm assisting Qatar’s naval modernization, were accused without formal public charges. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Qatar’s Emir in December 2023, Indian efforts intensified. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that seven of the eight have since returned home. India had filed an appeal in Qatar’s Court of Appeal, which led to the commutation. The government welcomed the release and credited the Amir of Qatar for enabling their return.

#5 Iran Releases Indian Prisoners and Fishermen Over the Years

In 2024, 77 Indians were freed, following the release of 43 Indians in 2023, including 12 fishermen. Eight of these fishermen were detained for allegedly entering Iranian waters without permission. Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan confirmed their release and thanked Iran’s government.

In 2016, 49 Indian fishermen, 45 of them from Tamil Nadu were released after being detained on charges of poaching while working on contract in Dubai. They had been confined on Kish Island after the Iranian Navy seized their vessels. Their release followed intervention by the CITU and diplomatic pressure on the Ministry of External Affairs.

#6 2,639 Indian Fishermen Repatriated from Pakistan Since 2014

Since 2014, Pakistan has released 2,639 Indian fishermen and 71 civilian prisoners following sustained diplomatic efforts by the Indian government. In 2025, 22 fishermen returned to Gujarat after their release from Karachi jail. These fishermen were arrested between April 2021 and December 2022 for allegedly crossing the maritime boundary. Upon return, they expressed concern for the nearly 200 Indian fishermen still in Pakistani jails, many of whom reportedly suffer from serious health issues. In 2023, Pakistan also released 80 Indian fishermen and two civilian prisoners. One freed prisoner revealed the dire condition of over 700 Indians still imprisoned, citing mental distress and poor treatment. Many of those still jailed had already been cleared for release by Pakistan’s Supreme Court but remain incarcerated. Indian authorities continue to press Pakistan for urgent repatriation of all remaining prisoners, especially those held for extended periods without resolution.

#7 Bahrain Pardons 250 Indian Prisoners During PM Modi’s Visit

In a humanitarian gesture, the Bahrain government pardoned 250 Indian nationals serving prison sentences on 25 August 2019, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to the Gulf nation. This act of goodwill marked a significant diplomatic moment as Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Bahrain. The Prime Minister expressed his deep gratitude to Bahrain’s leadership for the royal pardon. The Prime Minister’s Office acknowledged the gesture as a reflection of the strong bilateral ties between India and Bahrain, and a recognition of the Indian community’s contributions to the Gulf nation.

#8 Saudi Arabia Releases 850 Indian Prisoners at PM Modi’s Request

On 20 February 2019, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners from Saudi jails following a request by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The announcement marked a significant diplomatic achievement during the Crown Prince’s visit to India. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the development and also noted that Saudi Arabia agreed to increase India’s Haj quota to 2 lakh pilgrims.

In a special gesture, PM Modi broke protocol to personally receive the Crown Prince at Palam Airport, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia.

#9 Kuwait Frees and Commutes Sentences of 119 Indian Prisoners

On 2 October 2017, the Emir of Kuwait ordered the release of 22 Indian prisoners and commuted the sentences of 97 others in a significant diplomatic gesture. Among them, 15 Indians had their death sentences reduced to life imprisonment, primarily in drug-related cases. Sentences for others were reduced variously, with 53 life terms cut to 20 years, and others receiving partial reductions. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait confirmed the developments and assured support for the released prisoners’ return. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj thanked the Emir for this humanitarian gesture benefitting Indian nationals.

#10 Intervention In Kulbhushan Jadhav Case, Death Sentence Stayed

The Indian government strongly intervened in Kulbhushan Jadhav’s case after he was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April 2017 on charges of espionage. India maintained that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran and denied the allegations of spying. Despite repeated requests, Pakistan denied consular access, prompting India to move the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in May 2017, arguing violation of the Vienna Convention. The ICJ, recognizing India’s claim, issued a stay on Jadhav’s execution and, in its 2019 verdict, ordered Pakistan to review the death sentence and grant consular access. This legal victory ensured that Jadhav’s execution remained halted and reaffirmed India’s diplomatic and legal efforts to protect its citizen’s rights under international law.

In the cases of Nimisha Priya and Kulbhushan Jadhav, although their death sentences have been halted by the intervention of the Indian government, neither has been safely repatriated to India yet.

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Kolkata Police Rescue Nine Minor Girls, Bust Sex Trafficking Racket https://thecommunemag.com/kolkata-police-rescue-nine-minor-girls-bust-sex-trafficking-racket/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:28:52 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=128158 The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Kolkata Police has rescued 10 people, including nine minor girls, and arrested six persons for running a sex racket, the police said on Thursday. Acting on a tip-off, the police raided a house in the Burtolla police station area of ​​North Kolkata on Wednesday. A total of 10 people, […]

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The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Kolkata Police has rescued 10 people, including nine minor girls, and arrested six persons for running a sex racket, the police said on Thursday. Acting on a tip-off, the police raided a house in the Burtolla police station area of ​​North Kolkata on Wednesday.

A total of 10 people, including nine minors, were rescued from the house. The house raided by the police was run by a middle-aged couple. The police arrested the accused Amit Banerjee and his wife Saraswati Banerjee on the spot. Apart from this, the police have also arrested four more people on suspicion of trafficking. Among the suspected traffickers is a young woman.

The names of the arrested are Suman Halder, Deep Chatterjee, Akash Chowdhury and Pooja Mistry. Of the four traffickers, Suman’s house is in the South 24 Parganas district. The remaining three are residents of the North 24 Parganas district. According to the police, they are between 22 and 34 years of age.

The investigators are probing why the minors were brought there and whether they were brought for trafficking or running a sex racket. A senior police officer said, “This is to inform you that yesterday, based on source information, a raid was conducted at 4/A, Gulu Ostagar Lane. During the raid, nine minor girls and one major woman were found at the place. Two brothel owners and four traffickers were arrested. An investigation has started.”

The investigators are trying to gather more information about the incident by interrogating the arrested people. The police are also trying to find out whether anyone else is involved in this gang. It may be noted that over the years, complaints of running a sex racket are occasionally made in various spas and massage parlours in Kolkata and its adjoining areas.

The police have also been conducting a series of raids to stop such incidents. On Wednesday, the Kolkata Police raided the house in the Burtolla police station area after receiving a tip-off from a source.

-IANS

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Precision At 17,000 ft: Indian Army Executes High-Risk Night Rescue Of 2 South Korean Nationals In Ladakh https://thecommunemag.com/precision-at-17000-ft-indian-army-executes-high-risk-night-rescue-of-2-south-korean-nationals-in-ladakh/ Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:40:44 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=127335 In a daring late-night operation on September 4, the Indian Army Aviation carried out a high-altitude casualty evacuation mission to rescue two South Korean nationals stranded at Kongmaru La Pass in Ladakh. At 8:05 P.M., the Army received an urgent message requesting evacuation of Hyun Woo Kim, a citizen of South Korea, and his wife, […]

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In a daring late-night operation on September 4, the Indian Army Aviation carried out a high-altitude casualty evacuation mission to rescue two South Korean nationals stranded at Kongmaru La Pass in Ladakh. At 8:05 P.M., the Army received an urgent message requesting evacuation of Hyun Woo Kim, a citizen of South Korea, and his wife, stranded at Kongmaru La Pass in Ladakh at an altitude of over 17,000 feet.

The snow-laden terrain and razor-sharp ridgelines made the mission exceptionally challenging. With no time to lose, the Army Aviation helicopter squadron was mobilised by 8:20 P.M. The task required a precision landing using Night Vision Goggles (NVG) at an unprepared helipad — a feat demanding extraordinary skill and composure from the aircrew.

Braving icy winds, reduced visibility, and near-zero margin for error, the pilots guided their aircraft to the designated spot, touching down at around 9:15 P.M. The swift landing and extraction under such hostile conditions underscored the unmatched training and professionalism of the squadron.

The South Korean couple was quickly airlifted to safety and handed over to medical authorities for immediate treatment. This rescue mission reflects a textbook display of courage, coordination, and precision under extreme duress, highlighting the Army’s readiness to respond to emergencies, even in the harshest of environments.

The daring operation not only reaffirmed the Indian Army’s operational capabilities in high-altitude regions but also carried strong humanitarian undertones, showcasing India’s commitment to aiding foreign nationals in distress.

For the Army Aviation wing, the successful NVG rescue in Ladakh adds another feather to its illustrious record of high-risk missions in some of the world’s most unforgiving terrains. It is worthy to note here that although the Indian Army’s primary role is to safeguard the borders and to give a befitting reply to the nation’s enemies in any critical or warlike situation but the Indian Army is among the first to help stranded citizens in any such situation, irrespective of their nationality.

Notably, at a time when the northern part of India including Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir is witnessing floods which have created havoc, the Indian Army is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the other concerned agencies and is providing critical humanitarian assistance, from delivering food via helicopters and drones, evacuating people and giving them medical assistance.

-IANS

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Operation Naya Savera: 50 Traffickers Arrested, 24 FIRs Filed In Bihar; 112 Victims Rescued By Bihar Police https://thecommunemag.com/operation-naya-savera-50-traffickers-arrested-24-firs-filed-in-bihar-112-victims-rescued-by-bihar-police/ Tue, 19 Aug 2025 04:39:17 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=125488 In a major crackdown on human trafficking, prostitution, orchestras and dance groups, Bihar Police rescued 112 minors and women from exploitation during a special state-wide campaign “Operation Naya Savera” conducted from July 31 to August 14. The victims include 41 minor girls, 7 women, and 64 minor boys, said ADG (Weaker Sections) Amit Kumar Jain […]

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In a major crackdown on human trafficking, prostitution, orchestras and dance groups, Bihar Police rescued 112 minors and women from exploitation during a special state-wide campaign “Operation Naya Savera” conducted from July 31 to August 14.

The victims include 41 minor girls, 7 women, and 64 minor boys, said ADG (Weaker Sections) Amit Kumar Jain at a press conference held at Sardar Patel Bhawan, Police Headquarters in Patna on Monday. During the operation, 50 human traffickers, including 28 men and 22 women, were arrested, and 24 FIRs were registered.

Launched on the occasion of International Human Trafficking Prevention Day (July 30), the campaign targeted victims trapped in human trafficking, child labour, prostitution, orchestra and theatre groups, with a focus on rehabilitation.

As part of the drive, 19 orchestra/theatre groups were busted in districts including Patna (2), Kishanganj (7), Purnea (3), Rohtas (3), Madhubani (1), Araria (3), Saran (29), and Bettiah (1). 63 victims of child labour were freed from Patna (23), Sitamarhi (21), Vaishali (4), Katihar (3), Bagaha (1), Madhubani (3), Narkatiaganj railway station (2), and Sasaram railway station (6). The rescued victims also include 3 from Nepal, 13 from West Bengal, 4 from Uttar Pradesh, and one each from Odisha and Jharkhand.

ADG Jain further said that from January 2025 till now, police have registered 329 FIRs in trafficking-related cases across districts, rescuing 1,016 victims, including 217 minor girls, 77 women, and 722 minor boys. A total of 250 traffickers have been arrested and sent to jail under BNS provisions. Recognising exemplary efforts under the campaign, the Saran district was awarded the first prize, while Patna stood second.

In addition, the ADG highlighted ongoing initiatives of the CID Weaker Sections. “Since the establishment of a counseling cell in 2021, 157 applications related to family disputes have been received till August 17, 2025, of which 142 cases have been resolved, including 56 through mutual settlement,” Jain said.

A special helpdesk for trans women (bisexual women) has also been created at the police station level. The existing women’s helplines in 855 police stations will now function additionally as trans women helpdesks, guided by newly issued SOPs to ensure accessibility and speedy resolution of their cases.

-IANS

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Uttarakhand Cloudburst: 150 Army Personnel Deployed In Dharali Rescue https://thecommunemag.com/uttarakhand-cloudburst-150-army-personnel-deployed-in-dharali-rescue/ Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:11:27 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=123848 A devastating cloudburst struck the Dharali area near Harsil in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday afternoon, triggering flash floods and landslides that caused widespread destruction in the region. Following the calamity, the Indian Army mounted a prompt and large-scale rescue operation to assist the affected civilians. The landslide occurred around 1:45 PM near Dharali village, […]

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A devastating cloudburst struck the Dharali area near Harsil in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Tuesday afternoon, triggering flash floods and landslides that caused widespread destruction in the region.

Following the calamity, the Indian Army mounted a prompt and large-scale rescue operation to assist the affected civilians. The landslide occurred around 1:45 PM near Dharali village, just 4 km from the Indian Army camp at Harshil.

Within ten minutes of the incident, the Army mobilised 150 personnel to the disaster site. Rescue teams immediately began evacuating trapped villagers and providing critical assistance on the ground. So far, between 15 and 20 individuals have been rescued and evacuated safely.

The injured were promptly transported to the Army’s medical facility in Harshil for urgent treatment. Army officials confirmed that search and rescue efforts are still underway, with all available resources being deployed to locate and assist any remaining stranded civilians.

In a statement, the Indian Army said, “The situation is under continuous monitoring, and the Indian Army remains fully committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected civilians.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to the social media platform X to express his concern and share updates.

“I spoke with the Uttarakhand Chief Minister regarding the flash flood in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Three nearby ITBP teams have been dispatched, and four NDRF teams are also en route to begin rescue operations.” Uttarakhand Police stated in a public advisory, said that due to the rising water levels in Kheer Gadh in Dharali, Uttarkashi, reports of damage have been received in the Dharali market area.

“Police, Fire department, SDRF and Army, along with other disaster relief and rescue teams, are engaged in relief and rescue operations at the scene,” the police said. Authorities have urged locals to maintain a safe distance from the riverbanks and ensure the safety of children and livestock.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the situation “extremely sad and distressing” and said relief operations are underway on a war footing.

“The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing,” CM Dhami said in a post on X.

“I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone’s safety,” he added. While official confirmation on casualties remains awaited, the search for the missing is ongoing.

-IANS

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How Modi Govt Has Been Rescuing Indians From Cyber Slavery https://thecommunemag.com/how-modi-govt-has-been-rescuing-indians-from-cyber-slavery/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 10:59:41 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=92674 A recent episode of Vijay TV’s Neeya Naana programme shed light on a very important topic of scams—cyber slavery was touched upon. In the episode, a victim also recounted how he was treated during that harrowing period.  ⚠️SHOCKING⚠️ Why is no one talking about this?! The Modi Govt has quietly rescued thousands of South Indians […]

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A recent episode of Vijay TV’s Neeya Naana programme shed light on a very important topic of scams—cyber slavery was touched upon. In the episode, a victim also recounted how he was treated during that harrowing period. 

Hundreds of thousands worldwide have been victims of human trafficking job scams across Southeast Asia. These scams primarily target young, tech-savvy individuals, luring them with job offers that turn out to involve illegal online work, including money laundering, cryptocurrency fraud, and “love scams,” where they deceive others by pretending to be romantic partners.

According to an August 2023 UN report, approximately 120,000 people in Myanmar and 100,000 in Cambodia have been coerced into running cyber-fraud schemes.

In March 2024, authorities rescued hundreds from a scam operation in the Philippines, where victims were forced to conduct online romance scams using fake identities. Earlier, China facilitated the return of hundreds of its citizens who had been trapped in similar scam operations in Myanmar.

What Is Cyber Slavery?

The alarming rise in these cases has been linked to the phenomenon of ‘cyber slavery‘. Cyber slavery is a modern form of exploitation, as defined by the CyberPeace Foundation, where individuals are initially deceived online and eventually subjected to physical human trafficking. This can manifest in various ways, including forced participation in online criminal activities, exploitation in digital fraud, coercive work in the gig economy, or even involuntary servitude.

In some cases, individuals are lured with promises of lucrative job opportunities, only to find themselves trapped in harsh working conditions, often enduring 16-hour workdays. The illegal activities they are compelled to engage in range from money laundering and cryptocurrency scams to fraudulent online relationships or “love scams.”

where victims are lured by promises of high-paying jobs, only to find themselves forced into cyber fraud and other illegal activities under threat of violence. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) reports that 45% of cybercrimes targeting Indians originate from Southeast Asia, with approximately 100,000 complaints filed since January 2023.

Survivors have recounted harrowing experiences of being trapped, with their passports confiscated, and coerced into fraudulent activities, often involving fake cryptocurrency schemes. The situation underscores the urgent need for collaboration between India and Southeast Asian countries to combat this growing transnational crime network and protect vulnerable citizens.

Indians Caught In Scams

Official data reveals a staggering 29,466 Indians have not returned after traveling to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam on visitor visas between January 2022 and May 2024. Notably, 17,115 of these individuals are aged between 20 and 39, with males comprising the majority at 21,182. A significant portion, over one-third, hails from Punjab, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Thailand accounts for over 69% of these cases, with 20,450 individuals reported missing.

What Has The Indian Government Done So Far?

Recent data from the Bureau of Immigration reveals that out of 73,138 Indians who traveled to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam on visitor visas between January 2022 and May 2024, a staggering 29,466 have not returned. This group predominantly consists of young adults, with more than half (17,115) aged between 20 and 39, and males making up the majority at 21,182. Notably, over one-third of these missing individuals come from Punjab (3,667), Maharashtra (3,233), and Tamil Nadu (3,124), with Thailand accounting for a significant 69% (20,450 cases).

State-wise data highlights that significant numbers of missing persons also come from Uttar Pradesh (2,946), Kerala (2,659), Delhi (2,140), and Gujarat (2,068). Furthermore, the majority of those who haven’t returned left from Delhi airport (12,493), followed by Mumbai (4,699) and Kolkata (2,395).

The victims, often promised data entry jobs, report being coerced into fraudulent schemes, and creating fake social media profiles to lure unsuspecting investors into cryptocurrency scams. Survivors recounted that their passports were confiscated upon arrival, and they were subjected to threats and violence to ensure compliance.

Additionally, a concerning 45% of cybercrimes targeting Indians are believed to originate from Southeast Asia, with around 100,000 cyber complaints recorded since January 2023. The Centre is now working to improve mechanisms to identify potential victims and prevent further exploitation.

In April 2024, 17 Indian workers were repatriated from Laos after being lured into unsafe and illegal jobs. They had fallen victim to human traffickers and were coerced into conducting online financial scams. The External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, acknowledged their safe return and emphasized the need for thorough background checks on potential employers.

In May 2024, a significant operation led to the rescue of 360 Indians from Cambodia, where they were also involved in online scams. The Indian government has since established a high-level inter-ministerial committee to combat the rising cybercrime that contributes to these exploitative situations. The embassy confirmed that the rescued individuals would soon be repatriated to India.

In July 2024, eleven Indian victims trapped in a job scam in Shwe Ko Ko, Myawaddy, Myanmar, were successfully rescued with the assistance of local authorities. The Indian embassy in Myanmar announced their release, highlighting the city’s notorious reputation for scam jobs. Before this, thirteen other Indians had faced challenges in returning home due to their illegal entry into the country. Reports indicated that many individuals from Tamil Nadu had been ensnared in similar job scams across Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.

Earlier in October 2024, 67 Indians trapped in job scams in Cambodia were recently rescued, with 39 already back in India and 28 more set to return soon. The Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh had been actively coordinating the rescue efforts, working closely with Cambodian authorities. The scam, which primarily operated in Southeast Asia, lures individuals with fake job offers—often for data entry roles—through deceptive agents and online advertisements. Once in Cambodia, victims are coerced into participating in illegal cyber activities, such as creating fake social media accounts and running fraudulent schemes.

The Indian Embassy, following specific leads, collaborated with Cambodian police to rescue the 67 victims from Poipet on 22 September 2024. The cyber scam, affecting about 5,000 Indians in Cambodia, has resulted in significant financial losses, with estimates suggesting over ₹500 crore lost to such schemes. The Embassy has been actively repatriating affected individuals since January 2022, having helped over 1,000 return, including nearly 770 in 2024 alone.

In recent months, at least 360 Indian citizens, primarily lured by fake job offers, were rescued from working as “cyber slaves” in Cambodia. These individuals were trapped in exploitative conditions, and forced to engage in online scams after having their passports confiscated upon arrival. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported that another 60 Indians are expected to return soon. The victims often reach Cambodia via Thailand, seeking better job opportunities, only to fall prey to human trafficking and organized crime.

Other Measures Taken By Modi Govt

The Indian government has formed a high-level inter-ministerial task force to tackle the growing cybercrime linked to Southeast Asia, with a focus on Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. The task force is working to enhance mechanisms to identify potential victims before they travel, addressing vulnerabilities in India’s banking, immigration, and telecom systems. It has also directed all states and Union Territories to conduct ground-level verification of missing individuals as part of the investigation.

The country’s telecom ministry has implemented measures to combat cyber fraud, including disconnecting 21.7 million mobile connections and blocking approximately 226,000 devices. To tackle this issue, an inter-ministerial committee was established, comprising representatives from the Home Ministry, Immigration Bureau, Financial Intelligence Unit, Reserve Bank of India, Information Technology Ministry, and National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Telecom operators have been instructed to prevent incoming international “spoofed calls” that appear to originate from Indian mobile numbers, which constitute around 35% of all international incoming calls. Additionally, telecom companies are required to provide data on Indian numbers using roaming services in countries such as Hong Kong, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, and Myanmar.

According to a report by The Indian Express on September 30, there were around 600,000 Indian phones registered as roaming in Southeast Asia from April to June this year.

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