"I thought I would Die": Deported Youth’s Shocking Ordeal of Firing, Jungle Struggle

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A youth named Gagandeep from Ugala, who was deported from America, has warned others against illegal immigration, urging them to travel legally or work in their own country. He described the harrowing experience of being smuggled abroad, including months of confinement, physical abuse, and life-threatening situations.

Gagandeep had contacted an agent, Rocky Singh from Karnal, through Instagram in April 2023. Singh promised to send him to America for ₹17 lakh, claiming to have settled many youths there. Convinced by his words, Gagandeep handed over his documents and money. Singh first arranged for him to go to England on a study visa.

On October 12, 2023, Gagandeep left for England, where he stayed in London with Rocky Singh’s associate, Donker, for over a year. For six months, he was confined to a room and later made to work for minimal wages. When he asked about traveling to America, he was threatened and forced to pay an additional ₹14 lakh, which his family arranged.

From London, he was taken to Spain on a fake visa and then moved through Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras under harsh conditions. His money was taken, he was beaten, and even had a gun fired near him as a threat. Finally, he reached Mexico, where he was held for a week before being smuggled into the U.S. via Tijuana. However, as soon as he crossed the border, security personnel apprehended him.

In detention, he was given poor food, including beef sandwiches, which he refused. He was repeatedly handcuffed, taken onto a bus, and left waiting for hours before being returned to the camp. Eventually, he was deported to India but was not informed of his return until a security official on the plane, who spoke Hindi, told him. His handcuffs were removed just 15 minutes before landing in Amritsar. From there, he was taken to Ambala and then to his home.

Gagandeep's family had taken loans on their house, land, and gold to fund his journey. Now, he is struggling with the burden of repayment. He has filed a complaint against Rocky Singh, and the police have registered a case. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have assured action against the accused.