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Jharkhand Police on Saturday busted an international human trafficking network accused of deceiving individuals with promises of illegal entry into the United States through the dangerous and illegal ‘donkey route’.
The operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals, including the alleged mastermind, after a trafficking survivor filed a formal complaint.
The ‘donkey route’ is a term used to describe an illegal method of migration that bypasses official immigration processes. It involves long, hazardous journeys through multiple countries, often arranged by unlicensed travel agents and is frequently used by those attempting to reach destinations like the US, UK or Canada.
The case came to light after Sonu Kumar, a resident of Bharajo village under Tatijharia Police Station in Hazaribagh district, filed a complaint on July 30.
He accused Uday Kumar Kushwaha, a villager who has reportedly been living in the United States for over four decades, of trafficking him under the guise of offering employment in America.
According to police, in 2024, Sonu was allegedly sent to Brazil using fake documents. After arrival, he was handed over to a human smuggling syndicate, along with two other victims, namely Bikash Kumar and Pintu Kumar, who were also sent via Brazil from Delhi on separate dates.
The traffickers reportedly attempted to move them illegally across a series of countries: Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala, before reaching the US.
Sonu was kept in the custody of the traffickers for 50 days. During this time, Uday Kumar Kushwaha allegedly extorted Rs 45 lakh from Sonu’s family. Under pressure, his father sold ancestral property to raise the money, which was then sent to associates of Uday through various channels.
Sonu eventually reached San Diego via Mexico City but was caught by US border authorities and detained for nearly four months before being deported to India in March 2025.
After his return, Sonu’s attempts to recover the money were allegedly met with threats and assault by Uday and his brother. Fearing for his safety, Sonu lodged a formal complaint under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Acting on the complaint, the Hazaribagh Superintendent of Police formed a special task force led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Bishrugarh. The operation led to the arrest of five accused: Uday Kumar Kushwaha, Darshan Prasad, Lal Mohan Prasad, Chohan Prasad and Shankar Prasad.
During the investigation, police recovered phones, documents, bank receipts and a notebook containing details of money collected and individuals trafficked.
Officials also identified a list of persons who had allegedly been sent to the US via the donkey route in recent years. The police have stated that the case is part of a wider international trafficking network and further investigations are ongoing.
Survivor Trafficked to US via ‘Donkey Route’ Helps Police Bust $2 Million Trafficking Ring, Rescuing 15 Victims
In a remarkable turn of events, a survivor who was trafficked to the United States via the notorious “donkey route” has become the key to dismantling a $2 million international human trafficking ring. The operation, coordinated by law enforcement agencies across multiple countries, resulted in the rescue of 15 victims and the arrest of several high-profile traffickers.
The Survivor’s Harrowing Journey
The survivor, whose identity is being protected for safety reasons, was lured with promises of a well-paying job in the US. The traffickers painted a picture of an easy and legal migration process, convincing her family to pay a hefty sum. However, what followed was a perilous and illegal journey across multiple borders — the so-called “donkey route.”
This route involved covert travel through South and Central America, crossing dangerous terrains, and being smuggled across the US border under life-threatening conditions. Many who attempt this path face extortion, assault, and even death, but the survivor’s determination to live kept her going.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Once in the US, the survivor managed to escape the traffickers and reach out to non-governmental organizations that assist victims of trafficking. It was during her recovery process that she decided to help authorities expose the very network that exploited her.
She provided critical intelligence about the recruiters, the smuggling methods, payment channels, and the fake documentation used. Her testimony also revealed how traffickers often operated under the guise of “travel agents” or “immigration consultants” in India and other countries.
The Police Operation
With the survivor’s cooperation, law enforcement in the US, India, and Latin America launched a coordinated investigation. Undercover agents posed as prospective migrants, gathering evidence of the trafficking ring’s methods.
In a series of simultaneous raids, police arrested nine suspects and seized documents, passports, fake visas, and electronic records detailing financial transactions worth approximately $2 million. Authorities also found evidence linking the network to multiple cases of missing persons in Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.
Rescue and Rehabilitation
Fifteen individuals — including three women and two minors — were rescued during the operation. Many of them were found in overcrowded safe houses with little food or access to medical care. They have been placed under the protection of rehabilitation centers, where they are receiving medical, psychological, and legal assistance.
The rescued victims have expressed relief and gratitude, with several crediting the survivor for her courage in speaking out.
The Larger Problem
The “donkey route” has become an infamous method of illegal migration from South Asia to North America, often involving multiple stopovers in countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, and Mexico. While some migrants undertake it willingly to escape poverty or political instability, many are deceived, coerced, or forced into the journey, only to be exploited upon arrival.
Authorities believe the busted network is just one arm of a larger global syndicate, and investigations are ongoing to identify other linked cells.
A Message of Hope and Warning
Officials have praised the survivor’s bravery, noting that her decision to speak up saved lives and exposed a dangerous criminal operation. They hope her story will serve as both a warning to those considering illegal migration and an inspiration for victims to come forward.
The survivor now works with advocacy groups, educating communities about the risks of human trafficking and the deceitful tactics used by traffickers. “If I can stop even one person from falling into this trap,” she said, “then my suffering will not have been in vain.”
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