Three relatives from Gujarat have gone missing in Ethiopia while allegedly attempting to travel to the United States through an unauthorized route, with their families claiming that they were abducted and that a ₹1 crore ransom was demanded for their release.
The case involving Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia has raised concerns over the risks associated with illegal migration routes and intermediaries promising to take people to the US outside regular immigration procedures.
The three missing individuals have been identified as Rutvik Jansari, from Vadsma village in Mehsana, Mamta Chavda, originally from Mehsana and currently living in Ahmedabad, and Mayuri, from Gandhinagar. They are related to each other, according to reports. (The Tribune)
According to police, the three left their homes on September 20, 2026, after arrangements were allegedly made through intermediaries. Contact with them was reportedly lost after September 22. A missing-persons complaint was subsequently filed at Langhnaj police station in Mehsana. (The Tribune)
Gujarat Residents Missing in Ethiopia: What Happened?
The case of Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia began after three relatives reportedly travelled from Gujarat with the intention of reaching the United States through an alleged illegal route.
According to Inspector A. M. Gehlot of Langhnaj police station, Mamta’s father, Kiritbhai Chavda, filed a missing-persons complaint after the family could no longer establish contact with the three.
Police said the trio left on September 20 and that Mamta’s father last spoke to her on September 22. Their whereabouts have remained unknown since then, according to the police account reported by multiple news organisations. (The Tribune)
The families have alleged that the three were abducted after reaching Ethiopia. However, police have officially described them as missing while the circumstances surrounding their disappearance are being investigated. (The Tribune)
Families Claim ₹1 Crore Ransom Demand
The families of the Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia have claimed that the three were taken hostage and that the alleged abductors demanded ₹1 crore for their release.
Local agent Alpesh Panchal also reportedly told journalists that a ₹1 crore ransom demand had been made.
One family member, Kiritbhai Chavda, said the families had already paid substantial sums to intermediaries to arrange the journey to the United States and appealed to the government to intervene and help bring the three back safely. (The Tribune)
Reports differ on whether money has already been paid in response to the ransom demand. Some reports citing family members say ₹60 lakh had already been paid, while the original police-based account primarily records the family’s allegation of a ₹1 crore demand. (Navbharat Times)
Because the investigation is ongoing, the circumstances of the alleged abduction and the identity of anyone responsible have not been conclusively established.
₹70 Lakh Per Person Allegedly Paid to Agents
The case of Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia also involves allegations that a very large amount of money was paid to intermediaries to arrange the journey to America.
According to the complaint cited by police, approximately ₹70 lakh per person was allegedly agreed for the journey. Some reports have cited figures ranging from ₹60 lakh to ₹75 lakh per person. (The Tribune)
This means the families may have committed a substantial amount of money even before the alleged ransom demand emerged.
According to relatives, a local agent from the Mehsana area allegedly connected the three travellers with another intermediary from Vadodara.
The exact roles of the different intermediaries and the financial transactions involved are among the matters being examined.
Why Mamta’s Family Turned to Intermediaries
According to police, Mamta’s husband, Chirag Kumar, had travelled to the United States around six months earlier on a student visa.
Police said Mamta had allegedly made several attempts to obtain a US visa but was unsuccessful.
Her family subsequently approached intermediaries to arrange travel to the United States through an alleged illegal route, according to Inspector Gehlot’s account. (The Tribune)
The case involving Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia therefore began with an attempt to reach the US outside the regular visa and immigration process.
The circumstances highlight the potential risks of relying on unverified intermediaries who claim they can arrange entry into another country through unofficial routes.
Alleged Route From India to Ethiopia
Some reports have provided additional details about the alleged journey of the Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia.
Reports citing local sources said the group travelled through Jaipur and Abu Dhabi before reaching Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (NDTV)
However, these route details are based on media reports and information attributed to relatives or local sources. The police investigation will be important in establishing the precise route taken by the three individuals.
After reaching Ethiopia, the families reportedly lost contact with them.
The alleged ransom demand subsequently intensified concerns about their safety.
Police Register Missing-Persons Complaint
The disappearance of the Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia was formally brought to police attention after the families were unable to contact them.
Inspector A. M. Gehlot of Langhnaj police station confirmed that Mamta’s father filed a missing-persons complaint.
According to police, the last confirmed communication with Mamta was on September 22. Following the failure of family members to contact the trio, the complaint was registered. (The Tribune)
Police are examining the circumstances of their disappearance and the roles of the intermediaries involved in arranging their travel.
The families have requested government intervention to help secure the safe return of the three relatives.
The Risks of Illegal Routes to the United States
The case of Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia has renewed attention on the risks associated with attempting to enter the United States through unauthorized routes.
People who cannot obtain regular visas may sometimes turn to intermediaries who promise alternative routes for large sums of money.
Such arrangements can expose travellers to serious risks, including:
- Unverified travel arrangements.
- Lack of legal immigration status.
- Detention in transit countries.
- Exploitation by intermediaries.
- Human trafficking risks.
- Financial losses.
- Extortion or ransom demands.
- Difficulty obtaining consular or legal assistance.
A person considering employment or migration to another country should independently verify the visa requirements and use lawful immigration channels.
What Families Should Verify Before Paying an Agent
The allegations surrounding the Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia demonstrate why families should be extremely cautious when an intermediary promises to arrange foreign travel.
Before making any payment, prospective travellers should:
- Verify the agent’s identity and business credentials.
- Confirm the exact visa category being offered.
- Check the visa application directly through the relevant government’s official channels.
- Avoid arrangements involving unauthorized entry into a country.
- Obtain written agreements and payment receipts.
- Keep copies of passports and other documents.
- Independently confirm flight and accommodation arrangements.
- Avoid paying large amounts solely on verbal assurances.
- Be cautious of claims that an agent can guarantee entry into a country.
- Seek professional legal or immigration advice where necessary.
Most importantly, a promise to bypass normal immigration requirements should be treated as a serious warning sign.
What Is Known About the Three Missing People?
The Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia have been identified in reports as:
| Name | Reported Location |
|---|---|
| Rutvik Jansari | Vadsma village, Mehsana |
| Mamta Chavda | Originally from Mehsana; residing in Ahmedabad |
| Mayuri | Gandhinagar |
The three are reportedly relatives and left Gujarat on September 20.
According to police, contact with them was lost after September 22. Their families subsequently approached police and sought government assistance. (The Tribune)
FAQs : Gujarat Residents Missing in Ethiopia
1. Who are the Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia?
The three missing people have been identified in reports as Rutvik Jansari, Mamta Chavda and Mayuri. They are relatives from Gujarat. (The Tribune)
2. When did they leave Gujarat?
According to police and family accounts, the three left their homes on September 20, 2026, for a journey intended to take them to the United States. (The Tribune)
3. When was the last contact with them?
Mamta’s father reportedly spoke to her on September 22. The families said they were unable to contact the three after that. (The Tribune)
4. Were the three definitely kidnapped?
The families have claimed that they were abducted, and reports have cited a ₹1 crore ransom demand. Police have confirmed that the three are missing, but the circumstances of their disappearance and the alleged abduction remain under investigation. (The Tribune)
5. How much money was allegedly paid to agents?
Police cited an alleged amount of approximately ₹70 lakh per person for the journey. Other reports have cited figures ranging from ₹60 lakh to ₹75 lakh. (The Tribune)
6. How much ransom was allegedly demanded in Gujarat Residents Missing in Ethiopia?
The families have reported an alleged ₹1 crore ransom demand for the release of the three missing individuals. (The Tribune)
7. Where was the missing-persons complaint filed in Gujarat Residents Missing in Ethiopia?
A missing-persons complaint was filed at Langhnaj police station in Mehsana district, according to police. (The Tribune)
Final Takeaway On Gujarat Residents Missing in Ethiopia
The case of Gujarat residents missing in Ethiopia involves three relatives who reportedly left Gujarat on September 20 while attempting to reach the United States through an alleged illegal route.
Their families say the three were abducted in Ethiopia and that a ₹1 crore ransom was demanded, while police have confirmed that they are missing and are examining the circumstances.
The case also involves allegations that around ₹70 lakh per person was paid to intermediaries to arrange the journey.
At present, the alleged abduction remains a claim by the families, and the investigation will determine what happened to the three travellers.
For anyone considering overseas migration, the case underlines the importance of using lawful immigration channels and independently verifying every agent, visa and travel arrangement before paying large sums of money.
Source : The Print
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