Punjabis deported from US share harrowing accounts of journey through donkey route, say 'we saw dead bodies...' | Watch Videos
PTC Web Desk: Amritsar witnessed the return of 104 Indian nationals deported from the United States aboard a US C-17 military aircraft on Wednesday. Among them, several shared harrowing accounts of their perilous journey through the infamous "donkey route," a dangerous illegal immigration pathway.
One deportee from Punjab revealed that his journey began in Italy before he was taken to Latin America. “We lost clothes worth Rs 30,000-35,000 on the way,” he was quoted as saying upon his return. Recounting the grueling experience, he added, “We endured a 15-hour boat ride and walked nearly 40-45 km. We had to cross 17-18 hills, where a single slip could be fatal. Injured travellers were left behind, and we saw dead bodies along the way.”
Jaspal Singh, another deportee, alleged that he was deceived by a travel agent who assured him a legal entry into the US. “I had requested a proper visa, but the agent tricked me. The deal was set at Rs 30 lakh,” Jaspal Singh claimed. He initially flew to Brazil in July last year, expecting to continue his journey by air. However, the agent forced him to take an illegal route to the US border. After spending six months in Brazil, Singh attempted to cross into the US, where he was apprehended by border patrol agents.
The deported Indians included 33 from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh. Upon arrival at Amritsar airport, they were interrogated by multiple agencies, including the Punjab Police and central intelligence units, to ascertain their backgrounds and criminal records.
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- With inputs from agencies
