Faridkot youth deported from US after costly journey through Mexico

Nearly six months ago, Gurpreet had embarked on a journey to Italy before being lured by agents, who promised him help to reach his dream destination, the US. His relatives, friend and fellow villagers had arranged Rs 20 lakh to fund his trip. However, just 15 days after entering the US through the Mexican border, he was arrested and deported back to Punjab.

Before leaving for Italy, Gurpreet had attempted to make a living through dairy farming. Unfortunately, his business suffered devastating losses due to lumpy skin disease, which killed most of his cows. Despite his hardships, he received no relief from the state government, said Mangal Kumar, former sarpanch of the village.

Faridkot DSP Shamsher Singh said legal action would be taken against the agents who duped Gurpreet. A case would be registered once a formal complaint was received, he said. The family, which does not own any agricultural land, now faces significant financial and emotional distress.