A family of three from Gujarat, India, has reportedly been kidnapped in Libya while attempting to migrate to Portugal. Kismatsinh Chavda, his wife Heenaben, and their three-year-old daughter Devanshi, residents of Badalpura village in the Mehsana district, were allegedly abducted in the North African nation. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of ₹2 crore (approximately $240,000 USD) for their release.

According to Mehsana Superintendent of Police Himanshu Solanki, the family was en route to Portugal, where Kismatsinh Chavda's brother is settled. They were traveling with the assistance of a Portugal-based agent, with the intention of settling in the European country. Solanki stated that the agents involved in the case are not Indian nationals.

The family's journey began on November 29 when they flew from Ahmedabad to Dubai. From Dubai, they were transported to Benghazi City in Libya, where they were allegedly kidnapped. The kidnappers have since contacted the family's relatives in Mehsana to demand the ransom.

Mehsana Collector S.K. Prajapati confirmed that the family's relatives approached him on Friday, December 13, 2025. Prajapati has notified the State Government and the Ministry of External Affairs about the incident. Local MLA CJ Chavda has also reportedly raised the issue with the State and Union governments.

This is not an isolated incident, as earlier in October, four Indian citizens, including a couple from Gandhinagar district, were allegedly held captive in Iran while attempting to migrate to Australia. They were later released following the intervention of the Indian government. This recent kidnapping highlights the significant risks associated with illegal migration routes. The incident has raised concerns about human trafficking and the exploitation of individuals seeking better opportunities abroad. Authorities are investigating the matter and working to secure the safe release of the family.