Two Indian nationals, identified as Prashant Vaindam and Dharilal, and have been taken into custody in Pakistan's Cholistan for illegally entering that country,

Prashant, who had earlier been working for a software company in Hyderabad, was missing since 2017 and was in depression due to failure in a love affair, his father said on Tuesday (19 November).

Prashant, working for a software company in Hyderabad, was missing since April 29, 2017 and his family had lodged complaint with the police.

Prashant's father Babu Rao said that since then he was not in contact with the family and police could also not trace him.

Babu Rao, whose family hails from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and settled in Hyderabad for six years, said his son's first job was in Benagaluru, where he fell in love with a girl working in the same company. After the girl, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, moved to Switzerland, Prashant fell into depression.

Pakistan media reported on Monday (13 November) that Prashant along with Dharilal, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, were arrested on 14 November in a desert close to Bahawalpur district by Pakistan Rangers. They allegedly entered Pakistan through Rajasthan without valid documents.

Babu Rao said they had no idea why he went to Rajasthan and how he came into contact with Dharilal.

"All I know is my son is not the one to indulge in any illegal activity. We appeal to Pakistan authorities to release him," said Babu Rao, who plans to leave for New Delhi to make a formal request to Pakistan Embassy.

In a video message released by Prashant to his parents, the man says in Telugu that he is hopeful he will be released in a month’s time.

(With inputs from IANS)