NIA Arrests Key Accused in Human Trafficking via Dunki Route to US
The NIA has arrested Gagandeep Singh, a key figure in a human trafficking case linked to the ‘dunki’ route, which illegally smuggles immigrants into the US. Victims reportedly pay hefty sums for these dangerous journeys. Investigations revealed Goldie’s lack of legal authorization for such activities and abuses faced by victims during transit.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Gagandeep Singh, also known as Goldie, for his alleged involvement in a human trafficking scheme that illegally facilitated immigration to the US through the notorious ‘dunki’ route. This route, derived from the term “donkey,” denotes perilous and undocumented pathways used by immigrants to reach destinations like the United States, often organized by human trafficking networks.
Goldie, a resident of Tilak Nagar in West Delhi, allegedly received around Rs 45 lakh from a victim based in Tarn Taran, Punjab, for this illicit service. The victim was sent to the US via the ‘dunki’ route in December 2024 but was deported back to India by US authorities on February 15, prompting him to file a complaint against Goldie, identified as the agent.
Initially investigated by Punjab police, the case was transferred to the NIA on March 13. Investigations revealed that Goldie lacked the necessary licenses or legal authorizations to facilitate overseas travel. It was found that he guided the victim through a convoluted journey passing through Spain, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico, employing the ‘dunki’ route.
Furthermore, NIA inquiries indicated that Goldie’s associates had exploited and physically assaulted the victim during transit, even confiscating the cash he carried. In a Lok Sabha response on March 28, Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh reported that 636 Indian nationals have been deported from the US to India from January 2025 to the present.
The arrest of Gagandeep Singh underscores the ongoing issue of human trafficking and illegal immigration through the ‘dunki’ route, which involves significant financial exploitation and hazardous conditions for victims. The NIA’s intervention highlights the seriousness of this criminal activity and the necessity for legal measures to combat such syndicates.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
