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Youth

Brutal Torture of Indian Youths in Colombia Exposed

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A harrowing tale of human trafficking has come to light as five youths from Punjab and Haryana attempted to reach the United States through the notorious "donkey route" and fell victim to brutal torture at the hands of human traffickers in Colombia. The family of Balwinder Singh, who was abducted by the gang, filed a complaint with local authorities, accusing four travel agents of duping them of Rs. 28 lakh under the pretext of facilitating legal travel to the US. Chilling videos of the intense torture, including the use of iron rods, electric shocks, and burning plastics bottles on the body of the victims, went viral on social media.

Key Takeaways:

  • Five youths from Punjab and Haryana attempted to reach the United States through the "donkey route" and were subjected to brutal torture at the hands of human traffickers in Colombia.
  • The gang, known as "donkers", operates in the jungles of Panama and Colombia and has allegedly tortured numerous victims to extort ransom from their families.
  • The family of Balwinder Singh, who was abducted by the gang, accused four local travel agents of duping them of Rs. 28 lakh under the pretext of facilitating legal travel to the US.
  • Chilling videos of the intense torture, including the use of iron rods, electric shocks, and burning plastics bottles on the body of the victims, were shared on social media.
  • The Indian embassy in Colombia has assured support and expedited the issuance of a new passport for Balwinder Singh, allowing him to return to India.
  • This incident adds to growing concerns over illegal immigration, with a special US military aircraft deporting 333 Indians, including 129 from Punjab, in February 2025.

Statistics:

  • The gang, known as "donkers", has allegedly tortured numerous victims to extort ransom from their families.
  • The family of Balwinder Singh was duped of Rs. 28 lakh by four local travel agents under the pretext of facilitating legal travel to the US.
  • 333 Indians, including 129 from Punjab, were deported by a special US military aircraft in February 2025.
  • The Indian embassy in Colombia has assured support and expedited the issuance of a new passport for Balwinder Singh.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times.

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