Recent reports of a National Investigation Agency (NIA) raid in Himachal Pradesh have been clarified, with the agency stating that the operation was not connected to the Dalai Lama's security or any Khalistani terror financing case. The NIA confirmed that the searches conducted were related to an ongoing investigation into a human trafficking network dubbed the 'US Donkey Route'.
In connection with this investigation, the NIA has arrested two key individuals allegedly involved in trafficking humans to the United States via the "Dunki" route. The arrests followed searches at one location in Himachal Pradesh and one in Delhi. The accused have been identified as Sunny, also known as Sunny Donker, from Dharamshala in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, and Shubham Sandhal, also known as Deep Hundi, from Ropar, Punjab, who was residing in Peeragarhi, Delhi. Both were apprehended on Friday.
According to the NIA, Sunny and Shubham were associates of Gagandeep Singh, also known as Goldy, who was previously arrested in March. Gagandeep's arrest stemmed from a complaint by a victim who was trafficked to the U.S. using the "Dunki" route and subsequently deported to India in February. The NIA had filed charges against Gagandeep, a resident of Tilak Nagar in Delhi, on June 27.
The term "Dunki," believed to have originated from the word "donkey," refers to an illegal pathway taken by immigrants to enter countries like the United States without proper documentation. This perilous journey is typically facilitated by human trafficking syndicates.
NIA investigations revealed that Gagandeep Singh allegedly charged each traveler approximately ₹45 lakh, promising to send them to the U.S. on a valid legal visa. Instead, victims were sent on a dangerous journey through multiple countries, including Spain, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Gagandeep is believed to have sent over 100 people illegally to the U.S. in this manner before his arrest.
Sunny, identified as a primary associate of Gagandeep's gang, played a crucial role in facilitating the illegal travel. Shubham Sandhal was allegedly an important hawala courier, involved in transferring funds to "donkers" based in Latin America. Gagandeep reportedly used him to transfer portions of the money obtained from victims to these "donkers". Victims were also reportedly subjected to physical and mental harassment by agents seeking more money along the way.
The NIA took over the case from the Punjab Police on March 13, 2025, and continues its investigation to uncover the full extent of the illegal racket and conspiracy. The agency has seized electronic devices, documents, and other items for forensic analysis. The NIA has urged media outlets to verify information before publishing speculative reports, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and lawful investigation.
