Indian Deportees: Chained and Cuffed on US Flight

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Indian deportees from the US alleged mistreatment during their flight.
2. Passengers claimed to have been chained and cuffed throughout the journey.
3. Daljit Singh, a deportee, shared his experience.
4. A second plane carrying 116 Indian immigrants arrived in Amritsar.
5. Similar allegations were made by deportees on the first flight.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Indian Deportees: Chained and Cuffed on US Flight – Passengers Recount Ordeal An Indian deportee who was on board the second US military aircraft carrying illegal immigrants, claimed that “our legs were chained and hands cuffed” throughout the journey. The earlier deportees also made similar complaints, triggering outrage. This controversial case is generating international attention.

Daljit Singh’s Account: Daljit Singh, a native of Kurala Kalan village in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, was among the 116 illegal Indian immigrants on board the C-17 US military aircraft that landed in Amritsar at around 11.35 pm. The second batch of deportees comprised 65 people from Punjab, 33 from Haryana; eight from Gujarat; two each from Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra and Rajasthan; and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, a majority of them are aged 18 to 30. Their future is uncertain.

Journey via Treacherous Route: Speaking to reporters in Hoshiarpur, Singh also said that he had been taken to the US via the treacherous “donkey” route — an illegal and dangerous journey taken by migrants to enter America. He described the dangers of the journey.

Allegations of Deceit: Meanwhile, his wife claimed that a travel agency deceived her husband, and instead of a flight to the US that he had promised, Singh was taken via the donkey route. She further alleged that a man from their village had introduced Singh to the travel agent. This alleged deceit highlights the vulnerabilities of migrants.

Immigration Checks: Upon their arrival, the deportees had to immediately proceed for immigration and background checks, following which they were allowed to proceed to their homes in the early hours of Sunday. The Punjab and Haryana governments made special travel arrangements for the deportees hailing from the two states. Authorities are providing assistance.

Third Plane Expected: Meanwhile, a third plane carrying 157 deportees is expected to land in Amritsar on Sunday. However, there was no immediate information on the arrival time. The deportations continue.

Complaints on First Flight: The first US flight carrying 104 deportees, including 13 children, landed in Amritsar on February 5, marking the first time that Indian illegal immigrants were sent back as part of President Donald Trump’s massive crackdown against undocumented aliens. However, the deportees claimed that their hands and legs were unshackled only after the aircraft landed in Amritsar.

Opposition Protest: The treatment of the deportees led to widespread outrage, especially among members of the Opposition who continued to disrupt proceedings of the Budget session in Parliament, demanding a discussion on the matter. The opposition sought answers.

Government’s Response: In response, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the use of restraints was part of the US’s standard operating procedure (SOP) and also assured the opposition that the Centre was engaging the US administration to ensure that the returning deportees are not mistreated in any manner. The government is addressing the concerns.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

Indian deportees from US alleged chaining and mistreatment. Passengers claimed handcuffing and shackling on the flight. Similar claims emerged from the first flight. This case remains under scrutiny.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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