Jharkhand man trafficked to US via 'donkey route' helps police bust trafficking ring

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.

- Ends