2 Indians Kidnapped, Tortured on Livestream in Azerbaijan While Trying ‘Donkey Route’ to US
A Gujarat man and woman were allegedly beaten on WhatsApp video calls and threatened with organ removal by kidnappers in Azerbaijan while attempting illegal migration to the United States. They were rescued after Indian authorities intervened.
Two Indians from Gujarat were allegedly kidnapped and tortured on livestream video calls in Azerbaijan while trying to reach the United States through the illegal “Donkey Route,” according to their families and officials.
The victims — Dhruv Patel (22) and Dipika Patel (32) from Anand district — had left India on January 30 after being promised safe passage to the US by agents operating from Mumbai.
Kidnapped Soon After Reaching Azerbaijan
The two reportedly arrived in Baku on February 1, where they were allegedly abducted and taken to a deserted location.
Soon after, their families in Gujarat began receiving WhatsApp video calls from the kidnappers.
During these calls:
- Dhruv was allegedly beaten on camera
- The captors threatened to remove their kidneys and sell them
- The violence was shown live to pressure the family into paying ransom
Family members said they were forced to watch the assault in real time.
Ransom Demands and Payments
The kidnappers reportedly demanded large sums of money. The families claimed they paid around ₹65 lakh, partly in cash and partly through cryptocurrency transfers.
Despite the payment, the threats allegedly continued.
Indian Government Launches Rescue Effort
After learning about the situation, the victims’ families contacted local leaders, who escalated the matter to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was informed, and the Indian Embassy in Baku coordinated with local authorities.
Within 24 hours, both victims were reportedly moved to the embassy’s protection in what has been referred to as “Operation Mahisagar.”
They are currently safe and expected to return to India after completing formalities.
Who Is Behind the Network?
The report mentions suspected involvement of:
- An alleged Iranian handler known as “Baba Khan”
- Associates believed to be part of a wider illegal migration and extortion network
Police in Gujarat are reportedly searching for Mumbai-based agents who convinced the pair to attempt the risky journey.
Investigations are ongoing.
What Is the ‘Donkey Route’?
The “Donkey Route” (also known as the dunki route) is an illegal migration pathway used by individuals trying to reach countries like the US without proper visas.
It involves traveling through multiple countries using fake documents or unauthorized crossings. The route is dangerous and often controlled by criminal networks that exploit migrants.
