Latest news with #JagjeetSingh
News18
28-06-2025
- News18
A YouTuber's Video, A BJP MP's Call: How A Man Was Freed From 17 Years Of Bonded Labour
Last Updated: Trapped in bonded labour for 17 years in Punjab, Uttarakhand's Rajesh was rescued after a video by YouTuber Jagjeet Singh caught the eye of MP Anil Baluni, who stepped in to help In a startling case that highlights the persistence of modern slavery in India, a man from Uttarakhand has been rescued from bonded labour in Punjab's Tarn Taran district after 17 years of captivity. His ordeal came to light after a video filmed in a cowshed caught the attention of Garhwal MP Anil Baluni, who helped initiate his rescue. The man, Rajesh, left Uttarakhand at the age of 18. For nearly two decades, his family had no knowledge of his whereabouts—until recently, when a YouTuber-activist filmed him living in dire conditions. The footage led to intervention from civil society and political leadership. Baluni, who saw the viral video, immediately contacted Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to seek help in bringing Rajesh back. However, he credits the real breakthrough to grassroots efforts. Speaking to News18, Baluni said, 'I haven't done much. I just made few calls. The real work was done by a YouTuber Jagjeet Singh and team. It's them who took the risk to shoot the video and made us aware of it." बहुत बहुत आभार महामहिम राज्यपाल जी, आपके त्वरित मानवीय सहयोग के लिए। आपने अमानवीय व्यवहार, प्रताड़ना और नारकीय जीवन जी रहे मेरे लोक सभा गढ़वाल से चमोली के युवक राजेश को मुक्ति दिलाई।मैं पंजाब पुलिस के डीजीपी श्री गौरव यादव जी, एसएसपी तरन तारण और सम्पूर्ण पुलिस टीम का भी… — Anil Baluni (@anil_baluni) June 25, 2025 Jagjeet Singh, who also runs the NGO that rescued Rajesh, said they acted on a tip-off that claimed three men were being forced to work '20 hours a day." In a previous statement to The Indian Express, Singh confirmed the operation and added that Rajesh is now receiving medical treatment at Tarn Taran District Hospital. News18. Rajesh is currently under medical care, including psychological treatment for the trauma endured during his years in captivity. His return to Uttarakhand is expected once doctors clear him for travel. While Rajesh's story may appear exceptional, it reflects a broader and deeply troubling pattern. A 2021 estimate by the Walk Free Foundation placed around 11 million people in India under modern slavery, which includes forced labour and debt bondage. According to Union government data, 315,302 people were released from bonded labour between 1978 and January 2023, with 94 per cent reportedly rehabilitated. This case serves as a sobering contrast in India's growth narrative—where on one end, Indians are flying to the International Space Station, and on the other, individuals like Rajesh still live and suffer in invisible chains. First Published: June 28, 2025, 16:16 IST
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Punjab-based agent held for arranging illegal US entry via ‘dunki' route
A Punjab-based agent allegedly involved in facilitating illegal entry of Indians into the United States through a 'dunki route' has been arrested by Delhi Police, an official said on Monday. The accused, Jagjeet Singh alias Jassa (29), a resident of Rajpura, was held following the deportation of a 21-year-old Indian youth from the US, who was found travelling with a tampered passport, police said. The 'dunki route' is a term used for an illicit transcontinental network that helps people illegally cross multiple borders -- often enduring dangerous terrains -- to enter countries like the US. The matter came to light when Navjot Singh, a resident of Mansa district, arrived at the IGI Airport on the intervening night of June 3 and 4 after being deported from the US. During immigration clearance, forged Indian immigration and Kenyan arrival stamps were found in his passport. These entries did not match official records, police said. Subsequent investigation revealed that Navjot had travelled from Mumbai to Kenya on a tourist visa in November 2024. He then moved to Turkey and Spain using a forged Schengen visa and eventually reached Mexico. From there, he entered the US by crossing the Tijuana border with the help of smugglers. Police said Navjot was detained by US authorities and remained in custody for five months before being deported. He was arrested at IGI Airport upon arrival after officials detected the tampered travel documents. On interrogation, Navjot revealed that he had paid ₹41 lakh to Jagjeet Singh, the alleged mastermind, for facilitating the illegal journey. A team traced and apprehended Jagjeet Singh from Punjab. During questioning, Jagjeet Singh admitted to arranging illegal transits through international agents based in Kenya and Mexico. He said that he has been in the business for two to three years, luring job-seekers with promises of entry into the US. Further investigation is underway, police said.
The Print
09-06-2025
- The Print
Punjab-based agent held for arranging illegal US entry through ‘Dunki route'
The 'Dunki route' is a term used for an illicit transcontinental network that helps people illegally cross multiple borders — often enduring dangerous terrains — to enter countries like the US. The accused, Jagjeet Singh alias Jassa (29), a resident of Rajpura in Punjab, was held following the deportation of a 21-year-old Indian youth from the US, who was found travelling with a tampered passport, police said. New Delhi, Jun 9 (PTI) A Punjab-based agent allegedly involved in facilitating illegal entry of Indians into the United States through a 'Dunki route' has been arrested by Delhi Police, an official said on Monday. The matter came to light when Navjot Singh, a resident of Mansa district in Punjab, arrived at the IGI Airport on the intervening night of June 3 and 4 after being deported from the US. During immigration clearance, forged Indian immigration and Kenyan arrival stamps were found in his passport. These entries did not match official records, police said. Subsequent investigation revealed that Navjot had travelled from Mumbai to Kenya on a tourist visa in November 2024. He then moved to Turkey and Spain using a forged Schengen visa and eventually reached Mexico. From there, he entered the US by crossing the Tijuana border with the help of smugglers. Police said Navjot was detained by US authorities and remained in custody for five months before being deported. He was arrested at IGI Airport upon arrival after officials detected the tampered travel documents. On interrogation, Navjot revealed that he had paid Rs 41 lakh to Jagjeet Singh, the alleged mastermind, for facilitating the illegal journey. A team traced and apprehended Jagjeet Singh from Punjab. During questioning, Singh admitted to arranging illegal transits through international agents based in Kenya and Mexico. He said that he has been in the business for two to three years, luring job-seekers with promises of entry into the US. Further investigation is underway, police said. PTI BM HIG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Punjab-based agent held for arranging illegal US entry through 'Dunki route'
New Delhi, A Punjab-based agent allegedly involved in facilitating illegal entry of Indians into the United States through a 'Dunki route' has been arrested by Delhi Police, an official said on Monday. The accused, Jagjeet Singh alias Jassa , a resident of Rajpura in Punjab, was held following the deportation of a 21-year-old Indian youth from the US, who was found travelling with a tampered passport, police said. The 'Dunki route' is a term used for an illicit transcontinental network that helps people illegally cross multiple borders often enduring dangerous terrains to enter countries like the US. The matter came to light when Navjot Singh, a resident of Mansa district in Punjab, arrived at the IGI Airport on the intervening night of June 3 and 4 after being deported from the US. During immigration clearance, forged Indian immigration and Kenyan arrival stamps were found in his passport. These entries did not match official records, police said. Subsequent investigation revealed that Navjot had travelled from Mumbai to Kenya on a tourist visa in November 2024. He then moved to Turkey and Spain using a forged Schengen visa and eventually reached Mexico. From there, he entered the US by crossing the Tijuana border with the help of smugglers. Police said Navjot was detained by US authorities and remained in custody for five months before being deported. He was arrested at IGI Airport upon arrival after officials detected the tampered travel documents. On interrogation, Navjot revealed that he had paid ₹41 lakh to Jagjeet Singh, the alleged mastermind, for facilitating the illegal journey. A team traced and apprehended Jagjeet Singh from Punjab. During questioning, Singh admitted to arranging illegal transits through international agents based in Kenya and Mexico. He said that he has been in the business for two to three years, luring job-seekers with promises of entry into the US. Further investigation is underway, police said.
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Jarkhar Academy, Neeta Club in semis
Jarkhar Hockey Academy and Neeta Club Rampur emerged victorious in their respective matches in the senior category of the 15th Olympian Prithipal Singh Hockey Festival played at Mata Sahib Kaur Sports Complex in Jarkhar, booking their spots in the semifinals, on Friday. In the junior division, Kila Raipur Hockey Centre and Ek Noor Academy, Tehing, also secured places in the final four. Jarkhar Hockey Academy opened the evening with a commanding 5-3 win over Amargarh Hockey Centre. Raghveer Singh Dangora stole the show and was named the 'hero of the match.' In another intense encounter, Neeta Club Rampur edged past Gill Club Ghavaddi 5-4 in a nail-biting finish. Jagjeet Singh of Rampur took home the hero title for his performance. The junior matches saw Kila Raipur Hockey Centre defeat Rana Academy Hoshiarpur 5-4, with Rajveer Singh of Kila Raipur School named the standout player. Ek Noor Academy followed with a solid 6-3 victory over Chachrari Hockey Centre, thanks to a powerful game led by Manashoor Ahmed, the match hero. Jangsher Singh Tambar, a California-based businessman, was the chief guest. He donated ₹1 lakh to Jarkhar Hockey Academy as financial support. Other notable guests included district sports officer Kuldeep Chugh, Rajinder Singh from Khalsa College, international weightlifter Hardeep Singh Saini and Harbans Singh Saini. The event was smoothly conducted under the guidance of Jagroop Singh Jarkhar, along with coaches and sports managers Gurpreet Singh, Gurjeet Singh, Gursatinder Pargat, Shingara Singh, Kuldeep Ghavaddi, Khushmeet Khanna and Pawan Bansal. As the festival moves toward its final stages, the excitement and energy continue to rise, celebrating not just the sport but the spirit of Punjab's rich hockey tradition.
