In a decisive move, law enforcement agencies in Punjab and Haryana have initiated legal proceedings against several travel agents accused of defrauding individuals deported from the United States. These agents allegedly promised safe passage to the U.S. but instead facilitated illegal and hazardous journeys, commonly referred to as ‘dunki’ routes.
One notable case involves Daler Singh, a 38-year-old resident of Salem Pura village in Amritsar district. Singh was among the 104 Indian nationals recently deported by U.S. authorities. He recounted his ordeal, stating that in 2023, a relative introduced him to travel agent Satnam Singh Manan from Kotli Khehra village. An agreement was made for ₹60 lakh to facilitate Singh’s travel to the U.S. Initial payments totaling Rs.5 lakh were made, followed by additional sums as the journey progressed. Instead of a legitimate route, Singh was sent through Nigeria, Dubai, Brazil, and eventually traversed the treacherous jungles of Panama. He was apprehended by U.S. authorities on January 15 and subsequently deported.
In response to Singh’s complaint, the Punjab Police have registered a case against Satnam Singh under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Punjab Travel Professionals (Regulation) Act, 2014. The accused is currently absconding, and authorities have sealed his office in Rajasansi as part of the investigation.
Similarly, in Haryana’s Karnal district, police have registered cases against four travel agents based on complaints from deportees and their families. These agents are accused of charging substantial amounts, ranging from Rs.40 lakh to Rs.42.5 lakh, with promises of legal entry into the U.S. Instead, the victims were sent through illegal routes, leading to their eventual deportation. Investigations are ongoing, and arrests are anticipated soon.
The recent deportations have caused widespread concern among families in Punjab and Haryana, many of whom incurred significant debts to fund their relatives’ journeys. The crackdown on fraudulent travel agents aims to address these grievances and deter future illegal immigration attempts. Authorities are urging individuals who have been defrauded by such agents to come forward and file complaints, ensuring that strict action can be taken against those responsible.
This development underscores the ongoing challenges associated with illegal immigration and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by unscrupulous agents. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in Punjab and Haryana reflect a commitment to addressing these issues and safeguarding the interests of their citizens.
