New Delhi, Jan. 15 -- After 16 Indian crew members of the vessel MT Valiant Roar were taken into custody by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the family of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for rescuing their son.

The MT Valiant Roar was intercepted by the IRGC on December 8, 2025, in the international waters near Dibba Port, UAE. The Iranian authorities have accused the vessel of smuggling 6,000 MT of fuel.

Ketan's father, Mukesh Mehta, said that the last time the Mehta family heard Ketan's voice was on December 31, 2025. Mukesh Mehta said that Ketan spoke to his parents on New Year's Eve, assuring them he was safe.

Having lost his phone, Ketan communicated via a colleague, an oiler na...