New Delhi [India], August 16 (HBTV): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday arrested two Haryana residents in connection with a case of human trafficking of illegal immigrants to the US via the 'Dunki' route.

Ravi Kumar and Gopal Singh were arrested during searches at four locations in Haryana and Punjab, the NIA said. Two locations were searched in Karnal district of Haryana, while one each was searched in Yamuna Nagar (Haryana) and Gurdaspur (Punjab). The seized digital devices and other material are being examined for further evidence related to the immigration racket.

Investigations revealed that Ravi and Gopal, both from Karnal district, were part of a transnational syndicate that lured Indian citizens with false promises of legal travel to the US. The NIA stated that Gopal conspired with Jai Kumar, another key accused, and Ravi in facilitating the illegal immigration of several victims. He arranged hotel bookings, managed travel itineraries, acted as an agent for other victims, and assisted in collecting payments from them and their families.

The case is linked to the illegal immigration of Shubham Saini, a resident of Naraingarh, Haryana. In January this year, Saini was apprehended by US authorities at the border and later deported to India. In his complaint to Naraingarh police, Saini revealed that he was taken to the US through South and Central American countries. He said he was held in captivity abroad, subjected to abuse and extortion, and that INR 42 lakh was paid in instalments by him and his family to the syndicate.

The NIA said it is continuing its investigation, which has major international linkages, to identify and arrest others involved in the conspiracy.

(ANI)