Another Punjab youth duped by travel agents, trapped in Colombia after fleeing dunkers
PTC Web Desk: A 25-year-old youth from Punjab’s Kapurthala district has narrowly escaped death after being held captive for nearly five months in Colombia. Balwinder Singh, a resident of Sultanpur Lodhi, fell victim to an international human trafficking racket while attempting to reach the United States.
According to the family, Balwinder was lured by travel agents who promised to send him to America. Along with four other youths, he was handed over to local smugglers, referred to as "Dunkers," in Colombia. These smugglers held them hostage under brutal conditions. Tragically, three of the five youths were allegedly tortured to death during captivity. Shocking videos of the murders have since gone viral on social media. Balwinder, who was also marked for execution, managed to escape the dunkers. He reportedly travelled 600 km on foot and eventually reached a city where he was able to contact his family.
The family has reached out to Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, who is currently in Canada. Seechewal has contacted the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Colombia to initiate efforts for Balwinder’s safe return.
Balwinder is the only brother of two sisters, and his father is seriously ill. To fund his journey to the US, the family sold their agricultural land and house at distress prices.
- PTC NEWS
