Thursday, Apr 3 2025 | Time 01:08 Hrs(IST)
States » NorthPosted at: Apr 1 2025 8:34PM


Punjab: 2 Indian men rescued from Iraq, return home

Phagwara, Apr 1 (UNI) Two Indian citizens hailing from Punjab, were allegedly tricked by travel agents and sent to Iraq instead of Kuwait and held captive there by a company, which forced the duo into gruelling labour while denying them proper food and wages.

Describing their time in Iraq as "unbearable", Gurpreet Singh and Sodhi Ram, residents of Pattar Kalan in Jalandhar, said "a single day in captivity felt like an entire year". Upon their return, they expressed deep gratitude to Rajya Sabha MP and environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, whose timely intervention made their escape possible.
Gurpreet and Sodhi had taken loans to pay Rs 1.85 lakh each to travel agents for job placements in Kuwait. However, upon arrival, they realised they had been deceived and were instead taken to Iraq, where they were exploited.
Despite working under extreme conditions, they received no salary, no medical care, and barely enough food to survive.
Before being allowed to leave, the company forced them to sign multiple documents, likely aimed at securing legal protection for their exploitative practices. They had lost all hope of returning home until Sant Seechewal intervened.
Their families, struggling with financial hardships, contacted Sant Seechewal on March 15. Acting swiftly, he sought help from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy.
Gurpreet and Sodhi were able to return to India on March 28, just 14 days after the rescue efforts began.
Sant Seechewal expresse gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy for their prompt action in bringing the men back. He urged Punjabis, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds, to be cautious before seeking jobs in Gulf countries.
Furthermore, he called upon law enforcement agencies to take strict action against fraudulent travel agents who exploit vulnerable job seekers. UNI GS XC SSP
Tags: #Punjab: 2 Indian men rescued from Iraq# return home
More News

Waqf Bill debate: KPSS slams hypocrisy on religious autonomy

02 Apr 2025 | 10:39 PM

Srinagar, Apr 2 (UNI) The Kashmiri Pandit Sangarash Samiti (KPSS) Wednesday criticized the “hypocrisy” of those opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill while ignoring the decades-long "desecration of Kashmiri Pandit religious sites."
In a statement, the KPSS, an organisation of Kashmiri Pandits living in the Valley, emphasised that religious institutions belong solely to devotees, rejecting any state interference.

see more..
Kashmir: Youth arrested for performing stunt on moving train

Kashmir: Youth arrested for performing stunt on moving train

02 Apr 2025 | 10:28 PM

Srinagar, Apr 2 (UNI) The Railway Police on Wednesday apprehended an 18-year-old youth for performing a dangerous stunt atop a moving train in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
The incident, which posed a serious threat to the individual’s life and public safety, came to light following timely information received by the Railway Police.

see more..

Punjab SC Commission directs police to ensure security of Ambedkar's statues

02 Apr 2025 | 10:14 PM

Chandigarh, Apr 2 (UNI) Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission (SSCC) Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi on Wednesday wrote to the state police chief to ensure the security of Baba Sahib Ambedkar's statues in the state.

see more..

Youth accused of kidnapping minor commits suicide in UP

02 Apr 2025 | 7:18 PM

Firozabad (UP), Apr 2 (UNI) A 23-year-old youth, who was accused of kidnapping a minor girl, hanged himself and committed suicide in the Linepar area of Firozabad district here in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, police sources said here.

see more..
Kashmir-based parties slam Waqf Bill pushed by Modi Govt

Kashmir-based parties slam Waqf Bill pushed by Modi Govt

02 Apr 2025 | 6:47 PM

Srinagar, Apr 2 (UNI) As the Lok Sabha held a debate on the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, all major Kashmir valley-based political parties condemned the proposed legislation, terming it as an "attack on Muslim rights" and an attempt to erode the autonomy of the Waqf Boards.

see more..