2 hrs ago
Punjab Men Promised Overseas Jobs Allegedly Held for Ransom
Several young men from Punjab were promised jobs in other countries.
Instead, their families say they were taken to places such as Thailand and Ethiopia.
The men allegedly faced violence and were held until their families paid money.
A caller using the name “Khan Baba” reportedly demanded the money.
Some families borrowed money or sold valuables to bring their relatives home.
Other men, including Kulraj Singh and Ram Balak, have not safely returned home.
Agents involved in arranging the journeys have given different accounts of what happened.
Police in India are studying the complaints and phone calls.
They are also trying to find the people behind the alleged ransom network.
Several men from Punjab say agents promised jobs in Spain, Australia or South Korea but sent them to Thailand, Iran, Ethiopia or Kenya.
Families report receiving ransom calls from a man calling himself “Khan Baba,” with demands ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 70 lakh.
Some families paid to secure their relatives’ release, while Kulraj Singh and Ram Balak reportedly remain detained abroad.
Police are examining complaints, call recordings and alleged agents’ roles, but say investigations are still ongoing.
An alleged local facilitator, Sanjeev Kumar, denies taking money and blames an intermediary in Malaysia; families have named both men and others in complaints.
- Who
- Young men from Punjab, their families, travel agents and people allegedly linked to the caller known as “Khan Baba.”
- What
- Men promised overseas employment say they were instead taken abroad, held captive or detained, and linked ransom demands were made to their families.
- Where
- The men were reportedly taken to Thailand, Iran, Ethiopia and Kenya after being promised jobs in Spain, Australia or South Korea; complaints were filed in Punjab and other parts of India.
- When
- Cases were reported over the 11 months covered by the report; the first case mentioned was reported in October 2025, with other incidents occurring in March and June of the same reporting period.
- Why
- Families say the men were moved and held so ransom could be demanded for their release.
Families’ allegations and police inquiries
Agent’s account and denials
Responsibility for the journeys
Families’ allegations and police inquiries
Families say agents promised legitimate jobs, but their relatives were taken to other countries and later held or threatened for ransom.
Agent’s account and denials
Sanjeev Kumar admits helping arrange travel but says he took no money and trusted Sumrit Kumar, whom he says arranged travel toward Europe.
Payment demands
Families’ allegations and police inquiries
Families say they were instructed to pay large sums to different people, sometimes through cryptocurrency, to secure releases.
Agent’s account and denials
Sanjeev says money was directed to another person in Amritsar for transfer to Sumrit, rather than being collected by him.
Police response
Families’ allegations and police inquiries
Families and Sant Balbir Seechewal are seeking stronger action and international help, while some relatives say alleged perpetrators remain free.
Agent’s account and denials
Police say cases are being investigated individually, statements have been recorded and some suspects or agents will be questioned as inquiries proceed.
Key facts
- Reported ransom demands
- Families described demands ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 70 lakh.
- Common caller name
- Families said ransom calls came from a man identifying himself as “Khan Baba.”
- Promised destinations
- Spain, Australia and South Korea.
- Reported destinations instead
- Thailand, Iran, Ethiopia and Kenya.
- First case cited
- Ajay Singh’s case was reported by police in October 2025.
- Reported police action
- Police said they were reviewing complaints, call recordings and agents’ statements.
- International assistance sought
- Sant Balbir Seechewal said he sought assistance from the External Affairs Ministry, Home Ministry, Punjab DGP and Interpol.
Quotes
Sanjeev Kumar
Local travel agent named in a police complaint involving the youths’ travel arrangements
“Sumrit told me that the youths would travel to Thailand first, and obtain their Spain visas later. After that, the families (of Kulraj and Mandeep) were directed to a person in Amritsar, who collected the money to give to Sumrit in cryptocurrency”
indianexpress.com
“We are poor people who got trapped. I have written to the External Affairs Minister. I just want him back home safely.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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