Two sisters from Gujarat’s Anand district, who had reportedly been missing for nearly 20 days, have been rescued from Laos following a coordinated operation involving Indian and Laotian authorities, officials said.
According to reports, the sisters, residents of Borsad taluka in Anand district, had travelled to Thailand in search of employment opportunities. However, after reaching Thailand, they were allegedly taken to neighbouring Laos under suspicious circumstances.
The family lost contact with the women for nearly three weeks, raising fears that they may have fallen victim to a human trafficking network operating in the region.
Concerned about their whereabouts, family members sought help from Anand MP Mitesh Patel, who reportedly intervened and coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy and other diplomatic channels to secure their rescue.
Officials said a joint rescue mission, named “Operation Mahisagar 2.0”, was launched with the support of the Indian Embassy, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Laos Police and the Laos Army. The operation led to the successful tracing and rescue of the two sisters from Houaphanh province in Laos.
Following the rescue, the Indian Embassy facilitated a video call between the sisters and their family members, providing reassurance about their safety.
Authorities have confirmed that both women are safe and currently under the protection of local officials in Laos. Necessary legal and administrative formalities are being completed to facilitate their return to India at the earliest, officials added.