NIA arrests key accused in ‘Dunky’ route illegal immigration case

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Gagandeep Singh, alias Goldy, one of the main accused in an illegal immigration case involving the notorious ‘Dunky’ route. Goldy, a resident of Tilak Nagar in west Delhi, was arrested on Sunday, the agency said in a statement.

The ‘Dunky’ route refers to unauthorized and perilous methods used by human-trafficking syndicates to smuggle individuals into countries like the US. Goldy allegedly received ₹45 lakh from a victim in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district for illegal immigration.

The victim was sent to the US in December 2024 but was deported by US authorities on February 15. He later filed a complaint against the agent.

Originally registered by Punjab Police, the case was taken over by the NIA on March 13. Investigations revealed that Goldy, who lacked a legal permit for immigration services, sent the victim to the US through Spain, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. The victim was reportedly assaulted and robbed of his money by Goldy’s associates during the journey.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Lok Sabha on March 28 that 636 Indian nationals have been deported from the US since January 2025.