Sold land, spent Rs 72 lakh, stayed in US for 9 days

When a military aircraft landed in India carrying deported Indian youth from the US on Wednesday, it was not just people stepping off the plane, but also their shattered dreams. Among the 33 persons from Haryana was 20-year-old Aakash from Kalron village in the district, whose family sold their land and savings to fulfil his dream of settling abroad.

The youngest among four brothers and a sister, Aakash had dreamt of a better life. His desire to move out pushed his family to make arrangements by selling around 2.5 acres of farmland. They paid a whopping Rs 72 lakh, including 65 lakh to an agent, who, as per the family, had promised a direct route to Mexico, and then an illegal entry into the US, along with Rs 6-7 lakh on other expenditure.

“We sent Aakash through an agent around eight months back to the US after selling our land. On January 26, Aakash finally made his attempt—jumping over the US-Mexico border wall. He reached the US but was immediately caught by the police. We were expecting that he would be released after fulfilling a bond condition, but we were shocked to learn that he was forced to sign deportation papers after being threatened that his detention would be extended. We came to know of his deportation only on Wednesday when the sarpanch informed us. On Thursday morning, I took him home from Gharaunda and sent him to our relative’s home,” said Shubham, Aakash's elder brother.

Recalling the nightmare faced by his brother, Shubham said instead of a straight route, Aakash was sent through dangerous routes across various countries, including multiple flights, container trucks and dense jungles of Panama. Aakash had shared some videos of his journey through the jungles,” said Shubham, showing the videos.

Aakash’s father passed away in 2006 and his mother does not keep good health. Shubham demanded action against the agent. “We want justice. These agents take money and promise a safe journey, but they exploit and abandon people. No one should have to go through what my brother did,” he said, adding that he was hopeful that the authorities would take action against such agents.

A local resident, Vinod Rana, expressed concern, saying, “This is not just about one boy; many families are getting trapped in the lure of foreign dreams. The government must act against such agents.”