Kapurthala Man Abducted by Traffickers in Colombia Returns Home
- Balwinder Singh, 25, returned to Kapurthala after abduction in Colombia.
- He spent ₹28 lakh to reach the US but was kidnapped by traffickers.
- Traffickers inflicted extreme violence and sent ransom videos to families.
- He described his escape from captivity after months of terror.
- Balwinder’s family refused to pay the ransom demanded by traffickers.
Balwinder’s Journey Through Dangerous Routes
In a shocking case that highlights the perilous routes many take in search of a better life, Balwinder Singh, a 25-year-old from Baaz village in Kapurthala, has returned to his home after being abducted by human traffickers while attempting to reach the United States. Singh spent an astonishing ₹28 lakh to follow what is colloquially known as the “donkey route,” a treacherous path that has become all too common for desperate migrants seeking opportunity abroad. Yet his hopes were dashed as he fell into the clutches of traffickers in February of this year, marking the beginning of a horrific ordeal that lasted over six months.
The Brutal Reality Behind Trafficking
Singh’s flight path was convoluted and dangerous, taking him from Delhi to Mumbai, and then through a series of countries, including the Netherlands, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and finally to Colombia. Upon arrival, his life took a horrifying turn as traffickers seized his passport and phone, locking him and others in an abandoned shack. The stories he shared from his captivity are harrowing; he recounted scenes of violence where fellow victims were physically assaulted, with one tragic case of a victim being stripped and burned with molten plastic. The traffickers sent videos of such brutality back to victims’ families in India, demanding ransom while simultaneously instilling fear that drove many into despair.
A Family’s Resolve Amidst Desperation
On February 13, the first communication made with Singh’s family sent shockwaves; it came in the form of a torture video demanded by his captors for a hefty ransom. Despite the grim circumstances surrounding their son, Balwinder’s family remained resolute and refused to comply with the ransom demands. It was not until May 29 that Singh managed to escape his captors, eventually reaching a place of safety and regaining contact with his family. Singh has since been reunited with his loved ones and met with AAP Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal, who raised Singh’s case with the Ministry of External Affairs, shedding light on the grim realities that many face in the pursuit of dreams abroad.
Balwinder Singh’s return to India underscores the urgent need to address human trafficking and the dangerous paths pursued by many desperate for a better life. His harrowing experiences shine a light on the realities faced by countless others trapped in similar situations. The involvement of officials like Balbir Singh Seechewal may lead to greater awareness and action against these criminal networks.
