Kaithal (Haryana): An 18-year-old youth from Haryana, who left home last year to reach the United States through the illegal “dunki” route, has been killed in Guatemala after being held hostage by human traffickers, his family said on Saturday.
The deceased, identified as Yuvraj, was the son of an agriculturist from Mohna village in Kaithal district. He had left for the U.S. in October 2024 in search of work, hoping to improve his family’s financial condition. “Yuvraj had completed Class 12 and wanted to support his family. We were told he would reach the U.S. safely through a network of contacts,” his maternal uncle Gurpej Singh told sources.
According to the family, they learned of Yuvraj’s death recently when one of the traffickers, locally known as “donkers,” sent them photos and a death certificate claiming that Yuvraj and another youth from Punjab had been killed.
Ransom and Exploitation
Three Haryana-based travel agents had reportedly taken a large sum from the family, assuring a safe journey. However, shortly after the first payment, contact with Yuvraj was lost. Months later, the family received disturbing videos showing Yuvraj and another youth being held hostage in Guatemala, with traffickers demanding ransom for their release.
“Recently, one of the donkers contacted us claiming Yuvraj had been killed and demanded ₹3 lakh to provide proof. After we paid, they sent a death certificate and photos,” said Gurpej Singh. The family suspects the money given to local agents never reached the traffickers abroad.
In total, the family is believed to have paid between ₹40 lakh and ₹50 lakh to the agents and traffickers. They had earlier approached the police, leading to the arrest of two local agents. However, they were later informed about Yuvraj’s death.
Widespread Danger of ‘Dunki’ Routes
Several youths from Haryana, Punjab, and other northern states continue to take the risky “dunki routes” in hopes of entering the U.S. illegally. These routes, stretching through multiple Latin American countries, have become notorious for human trafficking, extortion, and violence.
Many migrants fall victim to exploitation, while hundreds have faced abuse, captivity, or deportation after enduring life-threatening conditions during their journey. Yuvraj’s death adds to a growing list of tragic cases highlighting the deadly consequences of illegal migration networks operating across India and abroad.
