Indian youth held hostage by ‘Donkers’ in Colombia; family appeals to Seechewal for help

Balwinder Singh (25) narrowly escaped from the clutches of 'Donkers' (criminal gangs) in Colombia’s jungles. His family revealed that they had paid agents to send Balwinder to the US. However, the agents deceived them and handed over Balwinder and four other youths to a Donker in Colombia, where they were held captive for nearly five months.

According to the family, three of the youths were brutally tortured to death by the gang. Their videos were circulated on social media to extort money from their families. Balwinder was also ordered to be shot, but he managed to escape. After travelling nearly 600 kilometres through treacherous terrain, he reached a city and contacted his family after five months.

Shocked by the revelation, the family approached Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, who is currently in Canada. Seechewal immediately brought the matter to the Ministry of External Affairs’ notice and contacted the Indian Embassy in Colombia — urging them to take swift action to ensure the youth’s safe return.

Balwinder’s mother said that in a desperate bid to fund his journey, the family sold their land and even their house — all for a promise that was never fulfilled.

The family revealed that four local agents had conspired to send Balwinder to the US, demanding Rs 32 lakh, though the deal was finalised at Rs 28 lakh. Balwinder left home in July 2024 with hopes of reaching America but was instead routed through multiple countries and eventually left stranded in Colombia — where he was handed over to donkers.

The gang seized their passports and phones, held them in jungle camps, and continuously demanded money from their families. When payments were not made, the captives were subjected to torture.

According to Balwinder’s family, they used plastic bags to suffocate victims, burned them with hot metal rods, poured melted plastic on their bodies, and inflicted deep cuts using blades. Balwinder told them that he could hear the screams of the tortured victims from another room.