Ahmedabad: A family of three hailing from the city, along with a relative, who were trapped in Indonesia for approximately a month, have been finally released and are currently returning to India from Jakarta.

The family, residents of Shahibaug in Ahmedabad, had fallen victim to an illegal immigration agent who had deceived them with the promise of Japanese work permits and high-paying jobs. After the incident came to light, the Indian embassy in Jakarta promptly intervened and provided them with emergency certificates to facilitate their return.

The family alleged that a travel agent named Rajendrasinh Chavda from Chandkheda had initially promised them high-paying jobs and a 5-year work permit in Japan. The family, consisting of Nepal Singh, his wife, child, and a friend, agreed to pay a total of 25 lakh rupees (15 lakh before leaving India and 10 lakh after reaching Japan) for the arrangement.

However, upon reaching Delhi, they were informed by Rajendra Singh that they needed to go to Indonesia first and then proceed to Japan. Confused but determined, they followed the agent’s instructions and travelled to Thailand, where they were handed over to another agent named Kiran Darji. Kiran Darji then took them to Indonesia, where they were placed in a house in a forested area along with five other people who were planning to go to Australia.

As time passed, Nepal Singh and his family realized that their journey to Japan was not progressing as promised. Rajendra Singh demanded an additional 10 lakh rupees, claiming that the previous agent had died after taking the money, and threatened them when they contacted him for answers. They were confined to the house in Indonesia, facing mental and physical torture, and were not allowed to leave.

The situation worsened when they were attacked by the people they were staying with, prompting Nepal Singh and his family to flee the house. However, they were caught by the local police but eventually received assistance from the Indian embassy in Indonesia. Their passports were confiscated by Kiran Darji, who demanded 10 lakh rupees for their return.

With temporary passports provided by the Indian embassy, the family managed to reach Jakarta, where they encountered a helpful individual who assisted them. They are now on their way to return to India and have submitted an application to the police in Ahmedabad. Nepal Singh regrets his decision and advises others not to fall for such agents, emphasizing that even with a modest income in India, one can live comfortably.

Nepal Singh’s brother plans to file a complaint with the Ahmedabad Crime Branch and hopes that Rajendra Singh’s passport will be seized if he attempts to escape. DeshGujarat