NIA Arrests Key Suspect in Human Trafficking through ‘Dunki’ Route
The NIA has arrested Gagandeep Singh, a key suspect in illegal immigration to the US via the ‘dunki’ route, after a victim reported exploitation and violence during the journey. Goldie allegedly received Rs 45 lakh for this service and was investigated following a case originally registered by the Punjab Police.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended a significant suspect, Gagandeep Singh, also known as Goldie, who is accused of facilitating illegal immigration to the United States via the notorious ‘dunki’ route. This route, derived from the term “donkey,” denotes a clandestine pathway employed by immigrants to enter the United States without valid documentation through human trafficking networks.
According to official reports, Goldie, a resident of Tilak Nagar in West Delhi, allegedly received a payment of approximately Rs 45 lakh from a victim based in Tarn Taran district, Punjab, for the illegal migration. The victim was transported to the US via the ‘dunki’ path in December 2024. Following his arrival in the US, he was deported back to India on February 15, subsequently filing a complaint against Goldie, whom he identified as the agent responsible for his illegal immigration.
The case was initially filed by Punjab Police and transferred to the NIA on March 13 for further investigation. Evidence gathered by the NIA indicates that Goldie lacked any official license or legal authorization for facilitating overseas travel. He allegedly utilized the ‘dunki’ route to send the victim through Spain, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Reports from the NIA also stated that Goldie’s associates had subjected the victim to violence and theft during the perilous journey, confiscating the dollars he was carrying.
In a related matter, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, noted in a Lok Sabha session on March 28 that 636 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States to India since January 2025.
The case highlights the grave issue of human trafficking and the dangers faced by individuals attempting to migrate illegally, as well as the significant actions being undertaken by Indian authorities to combat such activities and protect potential victims.
In conclusion, the NIA’s arrest of Gagandeep Singh underscores the ongoing issue of illegal immigration via the ‘dunki’ route and the human trafficking networks involved. The case illustrates the risks taken by individuals seeking illicit pathways to immigration and the serious legal consequences for those facilitating these activities. This emphasizes the importance of continued efforts from law enforcement agencies to address human trafficking.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
