The Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi said it has rescued 35 Nepali youths who were held captive and tortured in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, in India, after being lured with promises of attractive jobs.

According to the embassy, the victims—residents of various districts across Nepal—were taken to India under false pretext. They were then detained, beaten, and extorted under different pretexts.

Following instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy coordinated with Uttarakhand Police and the Indian social organisation Kin India to carry out the rescue operation on June 19.

Uttarakhand Police have arrested several individuals linked to the incident, and further investigation is ongoing. The embassy said efforts are also underway to locate and rescue more Nepali nationals believed to be held in other parts of Uttarakhand.

The rescued individuals will be repatriated to Nepal once legal procedures are completed, the embassy added.