Yuvraj, 18, of Mohana village in Haryana’s Kaithal district, died on the dangerous “Donkey Route” to the United States. Family members said Saturday that Yuvraj had left in search of a job in October last year but was taken hostage and allegedly killed by human traffickers in Guatemala. Yuvraj’s father is a farmer, and he wanted to go abroad to help his family financially.
The family received a death certificate and photographs.
The family learned of Yuvraj’s death a few days ago when a donkar sent his death certificate and photographs. The photographs showed Yuvraj and another young man from Punjab dead. Yuvraj’s maternal uncle, Gurpreet Singh, explained that donkars are smugglers who send people abroad through illegal routes. In this process, many travelers become victims of exploitation, violence, and abuse.
Three travel agents took a huge amount of money.
Gurpreet Singh said that three travel agents from Haryana took a huge amount of money from the family by promising a safe journey. The agents were trying to send Yuvraj abroad through their network. After paying the first installment, the family lost contact with Yuvraj. A few months later, the family received videos in which Yuvraj and another youth from Punjab were seen being held hostage in Guatemala. After this, the dons demanded ransom.
Three lakh rupees were also demanded to show proof.
Recently, a donkar contacted the family and claimed that Yuvraj had been murdered and asked for three lakh rupees to show proof. After sending the money, he sent Yuvraj’s death certificate and photographs. Gurpreet Singh said, “In total, the family paid Rs 40 to 50 lakh to the travel agents and donkars.”
The family filed a police complaint, following which two local agents were detained. However, the family recently received confirmation of Yuvraj’s death. Gurpreet said that many young men from Haryana, Punjab and other states take the risky “donkey route” in search of a better future, and many of them lose their lives on the way or are sent back if caught.