A devastating story emerged on Saturday, November 1, 2025, as a family in Haryana confirmed the tragic death of their teenage son. The 18-year-old, who embarked on the perilous ‘dunki’ route last October in pursuit of work in the United States, was reportedly held captive and subsequently killed by human traffickers in Guatemala.
Yuvraj, the son of an agriculturist from Mohna village in Kaithal, was just 18 years old. His maternal uncle, Gurpej Singh, shared that the family received confirmation of his death just days prior, when one of the “donkers” — a term for human traffickers—sent a death certificate along with photographs of Yuvraj and another young man from Punjab, asserting that both had been killed.
Gurpej clarified that “donkers” are individuals involved in illicit migration schemes, notorious for operating dangerous routes where migrants frequently face abuse and mistreatment.
According to Mr. Gurpej, Yuvraj, having recently completed his Class 12 exams, was driven by a strong desire to help his family and believed a job in the U.S. would provide a better future. Three travel agents based in Haryana reportedly took substantial amounts of money from the family, assuring them of a safe passage through their network of contacts.
Tragically, shortly after the initial payment, the family lost all communication with Yuvraj. Months later, they were sent distressing videos depicting him and another young man from Punjab being held hostage in Guatemala. This was followed by the traffickers, or “donkers,” issuing ransom demands.
Yuvraj’s family suspects that the funds they provided to the Haryana-based agents, intended for the other traffickers, never reached them. Recently, a “donker” contacted the family, asserting that Yuvraj was dead and demanding ₹3 lakh for proof. After this sum was paid, the trafficker sent a death certificate and photographs as evidence.
In total, the family estimates they paid between ₹40 lakh and ₹50 lakh to the various travel agents and traffickers involved in this tragic ordeal.
Mr. Gurpej stated that the family had previously sought police assistance, leading to the arrest of two local agents. However, despite these efforts, they were recently devastated by the news of Yuvraj’s death.
This incident sheds light on the growing, dangerous trend of “dunki routes” — illicit and highly risky pathways utilized by migrants from states like Punjab, Haryana, and others who pay exorbitant fees to enter the United States. Many who attempt this journey either face severe consequences, like Yuvraj, or are ultimately apprehended and deported.