Hello Mumbai International Desk 

Mumbai – February 25, 2026
The Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai has successfully facilitated the return of an Iranian national and her young child to Iran following an intricate legal and humanitarian case involving cross-border documentation, identity verification, and coordination with Indian and Afghan authorities.

Ms. Farnaz Masahi, daughter of Hamidreza Masahi, had initially traveled from Tehran to Mumbai on a double-entry business visa. During her stay in India, she entered into an informal marital relationship with Khwaja Syed Zarif Chishti—also known as “Zarif Baba” or “Sufi Baba”—an Afghan national who presented himself as a Sufi preacher affiliated with the Chishti order.
Chishti, aged 32 at the time of his death, had reportedly lived in the Nashik district of Maharashtra for several years as a refugee, primarily in Yeola and Sinnar, where he had gathered a following and portrayed himself as a spiritual leader. In July 2022, he was fatally shot in Yeola, allegedly by four individuals, including some associates, reportedly over property-related disputes.
Ms. Masahi later gave birth to a child, named Sufi Ali. The case took a new turn when, on January 6, 2026, Indian police formally notified the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi of her arrest. Upon receipt of supplementary details, the Consulate General in Mumbai immediately initiated follow-up measures.
Consular officials established direct contact with the detention facility in Jalgaon district through its superintendent, Ms. Joubna Desh Madak, and conducted two telephone conversations with Ms. Masahi to assess her legal and humanitarian circumstances. During these discussions, she formally requested the issuance of an emergency travel document to enable her return to Iran along with her three-year-old child. However, the child was found to have no valid Indian or Afghan identity or travel documentation.

On January 22, 2026, officers from the Foreigners Registration authorities visited the Consulate General with Ms. Masahi for identity verification procedures, remaining at the mission until the close of working hours. Following extensive consultations with Indian authorities and the Consulate General of Afghanistan in Mumbai, a coordinated solution was reached.
The Iranian Consulate issued an emergency travel document for Ms. Masahi. In parallel, and with the assistance of the Afghan Consul, a temporary Afghan travel document was issued for the child on the basis of a birth certificate and prior documentation issued by the Indian Embassy in New Delhi. Furthermore, upon coordination and approval by the Iranian Consul General, a 90-day family-entry visa was granted to the child to allow time for the completion of formal identity registration procedures inside Iran through relevant domestic authorities.

Through sustained diplomatic engagement and close coordination with Indian and Afghan counterparts, the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai secured the necessary clearances and documentation for their departure. Ms. Masahi and her child returned to Iran on February 7, 2026, via a Mahan Air flight.