Traveled to Iran for business purposes; Took a photo and sent it home; Later imprisoned, released after 59 days.

Young Engineer Jailed in Iran for Taking Photos in a Restricted Area Finally Released

Yogesh Panchal, a native of Nanded, Maharashtra, has finally returned to India after spending 59 days in prison in Iran. He was accused of capturing videos and photos in a restricted area. The intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs played a crucial role in securing his release.

Yogesh had traveled to Iran in early December for business purposes. He arrived in Tehran on December 7. The next day, while exploring the area, he took some photos and videos like any other tourist and sent them to his family. However, on the same day, a group of officials arrived at his hotel, blindfolded him, and took him to prison, he recounted.

Yogesh clarified that he was not subjected to any mistreatment in jail. When his family lost contact with him, they sought help from Rajya Sabha MP and local BJP leader Ajit Gopchade. Following this, the Ministry of External Affairs intervened in the case, leading to a swift trial and his eventual release.