Twenty-six-year-old Jagmeet Singh from Pathankot has found himself in a dire situation after being promised the "great American dream" by travel agents who charged him Rs 45 lakh. Instead of a direct flight to the US, as promised to Jagmeet's parents by Kahnuwan-based agents Parminder Singh and Balwinder Kaur, he was compelled to take the perilous 'Donkey route' through Panama.
The Pathankot police have registered a criminal case against the travel agents under various sections, including cheating, wrongful confinement, and violations of the Emigration Act. SSP Daljinder Singh Dhillon is leading the investigations, considering a potential link to a Nicaragua-bound 'Donkey route' flight intercepted in France on December 26.
Jagmeet's last communication with his parents was on December 19 when he was located in the jungles of Panama. Expressing a desire to work in the US, Jagmeet's father, Joginder Singh, contacted the agents who were known for facilitating travel abroad through the perilous 'Donkey route' for a hefty sum.
Allegedly, a deal was struck for Rs 45 lakh, with Rs 15 lakh paid in advance. The 'Donkey route' is notorious for forcing individuals to trek through steep mountains and vast swamps, presenting considerable dangers along the way. The case highlights the vulnerability of individuals who are misled by unscrupulous agents promising a better life abroad.