Haryana Teen Killed by Human Traffickers During Illegal Migration Attempt to United States

The term 'Donkers' refers to human traffickers operating illegal migration networks.

A teenager from Haryana who embarked on a perilous 'dunki' journey to the United States in October last year seeking employment has reportedly been killed after being held captive by human traffickers in Guatemala, according to family statements on Saturday.

The family of 18-year-old Yuvraj, son of a farmer from Mohna village in Kaithal, discovered his death recently when one of the "donkers" forwarded them a death certificate and photographs of him alongside another young man from Punjab, claiming both had been killed, his maternal uncle Gurpej Singh revealed in a phone conversation with PTI.

Gurpej explained that the term 'donkers' is used to describe human traffickers who manage illegal migration routes, during which travelers often face assault and mistreatment.

According to Gurpej, Yuvraj had completed his Class 12 education and was eager to help support his family financially by finding employment in the United States. Three travel agents based in Haryana had collected substantial amounts from the family, guaranteeing safe passage through their network of contacts.

Following the initial payment, however, the family lost communication with Yuvraj. Several months later, they received video evidence showing him and another individual from Punjab being held as hostages in Guatemala, Gurpej stated. Subsequently, the "donkers" began demanding ransom.

Yuvraj's family believes that the funds they transferred through the Haryana-based agents intended for other "donkers" never reached the intended recipients. Recently, one of the "donkers" contacted the family claiming Yuvraj had been killed and demanded Rs 3 lakh to provide evidence. After receiving the payment, the trafficker sent death certificate documentation and photographs, according to Gurpej.

"The family paid between Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh in total to the travel agents and the donkers," he added.

Gurpej mentioned that the family had previously approached law enforcement authorities, resulting in the arrest of two local agents. However, they were recently informed about the teenager's death.

Numerous individuals from Punjab, Haryana, and other states have utilized these "dunki routes" – illegal and dangerous pathways used by migrants attempting to enter the United States – by paying large sums of money. Many who have successfully entered the US through these means have subsequently been deported.