Kapurthala Man Abducted by Traffickers in Colombia Returns Home
- Balwinder Singh spent ₹28 lakh to attempt a migration to the US.
- The victim was abducted by human traffickers in Colombia for over six months.
- This young man’s ordeal involved extreme violence and torture documented by captors.
- His family received threatening ransom videos from the traffickers during captivity.
- Political intervention was critical in Balwinder’s eventual safe return to India.
Kapurthala Man’s Journey to Colombia Ends in Trauma
Balwinder Singh, a 25-year-old man hailing from Baaz village in Kapurthala, has returned to India after a harrowing six-month ordeal in Colombia. He was abducted by human traffickers earlier this year after he invested ₹28 lakh in hopes of reaching the United States through a treacherous route known as the ‘donkey route.’ Unfortunately, his dream of a better life quickly turned to a nightmare, leaving him trapped and in dire circumstances for months.
Abduction and Harrowing Experiences Described by Victim
Balwinder’s return on Thursday was not just a homecoming; it marked the end of a tormenting chapter of abuse and suffering. While abroad, he and his fellow captives endured unspeakable acts of violence, including gruesome beatings and psychological torture, with traffickers sending graphic videos of the brutality back to the victims’ families in India as a means to extort ransom. He vividly recalled how the traffickers confiscated their passports and phones upon their arrival, locking them away and isolating them in cramped quarters with other abducted young men from Punjab, Haryana, and beyond.
Escape and Family Resilience Amid Traffickers’ Threats
Upon his escape from the clutches of the traffickers, Balwinder contacted his family, revealing the traumatic details of his ordeal. His family received their first glimpse of his suffering on February 13, through a video depicting torture, leading to attempts at extorting money from them. However, his family stood firm and refused to comply with the ransom demands, which eventually contributed to his eventual communication with them on May 29. This resilient stand against the traffickers and the support from AAP Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal, who intervened with the ministry of external affairs, greatly facilitated Balwinder’s safe return.
Balwinder Singh’s return from Colombia shines a stark light on the grim realities of human trafficking. His journey, filled with unimaginable hardship and violence, underscores the dangerous paths many pursue in search of a better life abroad. Additionally, the role of his family’s steadfastness and the intervention of political leaders highlights the urgent need for measures to combat trafficking and support victims.
