Campaign Renewed for Abducted Child After Decade
The mother of Insiya Hemani has relaunched efforts for her daughter's return ten years after her kidnapping.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Child Care
Nadia Rashid has renewed her campaign to bring home her daughter, Insiya Hemani, who was abducted by her father, Shehzad Hemani, from Amsterdam on September 29, 2016. Insiya, now 12 years old, remains in India despite extensive international diplomatic and legal efforts.
Why it matters
The case highlights the immense challenges of recovering children in international parental abduction cases, which often involve complex, multi-year legal battles across different jurisdictions. This case persists after 23 court rulings and intervention from multiple Dutch Cabinets and the monarchy.
A decade of legal action has resulted in 23 court rulings and confirmed prison sentences, including 8.5 years for Shehzad Hemani, as finalized by the Supreme Court in 2025.
The players
Nadia Rashid
The mother who has led a ten-year campaign for the return of her abducted daughter.
Insiya Hemani
A 12-year-old child currently living in India after being kidnapped from Amsterdam.
Shehzad Hemani
The individual who orchestrated the kidnapping and received an 8.5-year prison sentence.
King Willem-Alexander
The Dutch monarch who, along with Queen Maxima, raised the case with Indian officials.
The details
The abduction occurred when armed men forced their way into an Amsterdam apartment to take the toddler before her father transported her to India. While Dutch courts have handed down prison sentences of up to 8.5 years for those involved, the physical recovery of the child has not been achieved. The case has involved significant diplomatic pressure, including formal appeals from King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima.
Timeline
September 29, 2016: Insiya Hemani was abducted from Amsterdam.
2025: The Supreme Court confirmed prison sentences for the kidnappers.
September 29, 2026: The tenth anniversary of the abduction occurred.
Health Landscape
The case reflects the enduring struggle to navigate international custody disputes and the 1980 Hague Convention protocols. It highlights the systemic difficulties in executing court-ordered returns when borders and disparate legal systems complicate enforcement.
For parents navigating international custody issues, the situation underscores the importance of maintaining documentation and early legal coordination. Families in similar crises are encouraged to consult with international family law experts who specialize in cross-border jurisdiction.
The takeaway
This case demonstrates the profound, long-term strain that international abduction places on families and the difficulty of finding resolution through judicial means alone. Tracking diplomatic and legal developments remains the primary avenue for those seeking updates on such cases.
Further reading
Learn more about the resources and support available to families at /lifestyle/family/child-care/.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NL Times.
