The Indian Embassy in Myanmar has launched urgent efforts to secure the safe return of a young mechanical engineer from Dhanbad who remains held captive by an organized cyber fraud network in Myanmar's troubled Myawaddy region.
Mother's Desperate Plea Triggers Rescue Operation
According to officials, the crisis came to light when Nishat Afroz, a resident of Azadnagar under Bhuli Police Station in Dhanbad district, filed a formal complaint with the Jharkhand Chief Minister's office on November 12. The distraught mother revealed that her 26-year-old son, Mohammed Shahzeb Rahman, was being held hostage and systematically tortured by cyber fraud operators in Myawaddy, Myanmar.
Shikha Lakra, Team Leader of the State Migrant Control Room under Jharkhand Labour department, confirmed to PTI that immediate action was initiated following directives from the Chief Minister's Office. "We received the complaint and immediately began coordination with relevant authorities," Lakra stated.
Deceptive Job Offer Leads to Captivity
The nightmare began in December 2024 when Shahzeb, who had been working at an IT firm in Bengaluru, was lured abroad with promises of lucrative overseas employment. The offer turned out to be a carefully orchestrated trap set by international cyber criminals.
According to the official complaint, Shahzeb managed to contact his mother through a new WhatsApp number but was unable to disclose his exact location due to monitoring by his captors. The situation took a terrifying turn on October 9 when he sent a desperate message via Telegram revealing his true circumstances.
"He sent a message stating that he was being held hostage and tortured by unknown individuals in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar," Lakra revealed. The captors had demanded an immediate ransom of Rs 2,20,000 for his release.
Family's Financial Ordeal and Escalating Threats
The cyber fraud operators have subjected the family to relentless financial extortion coupled with brutal threats. Afroz disclosed that the family had already sent over Rs 2 lakh to the captors before the October demand. Following the ransom demand, the desperate mother arranged and transferred an additional Rs 4.4 lakh to secure her son's freedom.
However, the captors continued their threats, warning that they would kill Shahzeb and sell his organs if further payments weren't made. The psychological torture has left the family in perpetual fear for his safety.
In a heartbreaking revelation, Afroz described Shahzeb as her only child and primary caregiver. "My husband left long ago. Shahzeb is my only child. He took care of me, worked any job he could find, and supported my medicines. If something happens to him, I have no one left in this world," the grieving mother told PTI.
Complex Rescue Operation Underway
Authorities face significant challenges in the rescue operation due to the complex security situation in the Myawaddy region. "The situation is complex as the Myawaddy area is not under the effective control of the local administration," Lakra explained, highlighting the operational difficulties.
In a recent development, the captors have moved Shahzeb to Yatai New City, complicating rescue efforts further. Indian authorities have maintained continuous communication with the Indian Embassy in Myanmar, which has assured that the matter is being treated with utmost priority.
"The Indian Embassy officials on Monday informed us that the issue had been taken up with the concerned Myanmar authorities on a priority basis," Lakra confirmed. Both the Protector of Emigrants in Ranchi and the Indian Embassy in Myanmar are coordinating closely to expedite the rescue operation.
As the diplomatic efforts intensify, the family continues to hope for Shahzeb's safe return while authorities work against time to navigate the challenging circumstances in the conflict-affected region.
