Illegal migration: Pathankot youth on 'donkey route' goes missing in Belarus forests
Lack of employment and a desire for a better future have continued to push many Punjabi youths to adopt risky means when they face difficulties moving abroad legally. Falling prey to illegal ways of unscrupulous agents, another young man from Punjab's Pathankot has gone missing in the forests of Belarus.
28-year-old Karan Singh from Pathankot's Siyonti village has gone missing in the forests of Belarus while he was on the 'donkey route' with other illegal migrants. He last talked to his family on March 15 and nothing has been heard from him since.
Narrating their ordeal, the parents of the missing youth said that they have three children. Karan Singh, the eldest, had left for Spain in January 2023 in search of a job.
The agent demanded Rs 14 lakh and assured that Karan will be brought to Spain legally. On January 10, Karan arrived at Delhi Airport to catch a flight to Spain, but the agent dropped Karan and other young people off in Dubai. After a few days in Dubai, they were sent back to Delhi. From there, he was bused to Lucknow.
The youngsters were then flown to Russia from Lucknow airport and were forced to sit in a taxi and abandoned in the forests of Belarus.
The family had their last conversation with Karan on March 15, during which he told that he has been walking in the forest without eating anything for four days. Since then, the family has not been able to reach Karan.
Another man from Karan's village who journeyed with him was caught by security authorities and is being held at the same camp, but no word on Karan has been heard.
Karan's family members reported that they found out about him through the other boys. Karan was separated from them in the Belarusian forest. The family has now sought the Central and Punjab governments' help and demanded stern action against such agents.
Also Read: Delhi Police register two FIRs against WFI chief
- PTC NEWS
