Arrest of 108 Indian Immigration Agents Exposes Donkey Routes

In a significant breakthrough, the IGI Airport Police have made strides in combating illegal immigration. Over the first six months of 2024, 108 immigration agents were arrested. This crackdown aims to dismantle the intricate network of illegal immigration agents, often referred to as “dunkis,” who use “donkey routes” for human trafficking.

Case of the Elderly Sikh Man

The incident that sparked this extensive investigation involved an elderly Sikh man at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Guru Sevak Singh, appearing much older than his actual age of 24, was caught attempting to fly to Canada. His plan involved using the “donkey route” to reach the US. This arrest marked the beginning of a broader operation by the Delhi Police.

Nationwide Arrests and Investigations

The IGI Airport Police’s data, as reported by news agency ANI, shows a significant increase in arrests compared to the same period in 2023. These arrests have spanned across multiple states, including Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. This nationwide effort underscores the extensive reach of the illegal immigration network.

Exploitation of Visa-on-Arrival Schemes

A key aspect of the investigation has been the abuse of visa-on-arrival schemes. Agents exploit passengers by sending them to countries that offer visa-on-arrival to Indian nationals. From these countries, illegal border crossings into the intended destination are facilitated. In 2024, eleven agents were arrested for their involvement in these operations.

Reopening Past Cases

Delhi Police have also revisited previous cases where only passengers were arrested. This approach aims to identify and prosecute the agents involved. So far, 51 agents connected to older cases have been apprehended. This includes several Proclaimed Offenders (POs) from cases dating back over a decade.

Methods of Illegal Immigration

The investigation has revealed various methods used by these agents. These include fake departure stamps, forged visas, counterfeit passports, and fabricated work permits. In some cases, agents sent passengers with similar facial features using someone else’s passport.

The Donkey Route Journey

The “donkey route” often starts from countries like Ecuador. Deportees like Jitendra, who spent 11 months in a US detention camp, have shared harrowing experiences of their journey. These routes involve long, perilous travels by bus, car, and even small boats across choppy seas.

Financial Exploitation

The cost of taking these routes varies. Jitendra paid Rs 40 lakh to reach the US, while others have paid up to Rs 60 lakh. The charges differ based on the destination country, with Portugal costing around Rs 15 lakh and Germany around Rs 25 lakh.

Impact of the Crackdown

This extensive police operation aims to curb the illegal immigration network at its core. By targeting the agents, who are the backbone of the donkey route business, the police hope to prevent many potential tragedies. The crackdown is a crucial step in addressing the broader issue of human trafficking and illegal immigration.