Mohali: The body of Hardeep Singh, a young man from Punjab who died in Mexico while allegedly attempting to enter the United States through an illegal immigration route, was brought back to his native village of Samgoli in Mohali district on Friday. His last rites were conducted by grieving family members in the presence of relatives and local residents.
Hardeep had reportedly left for the US in July 2024 after local travel agents assured him they would facilitate his journey through what is commonly referred to as the “donkey route” — an irregular and often dangerous pathway used by undocumented migrants. His family claims they paid Rs 33 lakh to the agents for the arrangement.
According to his brother, Malkiat Singh, Hardeep reached Mexico but was allegedly confined and deprived of basic necessities. The family said they were later asked to send an additional Rs 4 lakh after being told he had no money. Despite their efforts, Hardeep remained stranded in Mexico for nearly a year before his death under unclear circumstances.
The situation became more complicated when authorities discovered discrepancies in his travel documents. The family has alleged that he was sent abroad using forged Nepalese papers. After his death, repatriating the body proved difficult because official documents listed him as a Nepalese national rather than an Indian citizen.
The Dera Bassi police have registered a case against two travel agents in connection with the matter. One of the accused was arrested recently and produced before a local court, which remanded him to three days of police custody for further questioning. Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the alleged fraud and exploitation.
Former MLA NK Sharma attended the funeral to offer condolences, along with other local leaders and villagers who gathered to support the bereaved family.
Hardeep’s death has once again highlighted the risks associated with illegal immigration networks that prey on young people seeking better opportunities abroad. Authorities have urged families to exercise caution and verify the credentials of travel agents before engaging their services.
