The Supreme Court has denied anticipatory bail to Om Prakash, a key accused in a ₹43 lakh human trafficking scam. The case involves an alleged promise of illegal entry into the United States via the notorious ‘dunki route’.
Authorities reported that a resident of Haryana paid Om Prakash the hefty amount, expecting illegal passage to the U.S. However, the victim was deported by U.S. authorities and later filed a complaint in India.
The Supreme Court cited the seriousness of the crime while rejecting the bail plea. The case highlights growing concerns over illegal immigration and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by human trafficking networks.
Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan dismissed the bail plea, remarking, “People like you devalue the Indian passport.”
The court expressed strong disapproval, stating, “Gullible poor people, you are taking them for a ride.”
Case Background
A victim named Raja from Haryana filed an FIR alleging that in May 2024, a travel agent named Surinder promised him legal entry into the US after he paid an advance of ₹3 lakh.
Believing the offer, Raja embarked on a dangerous journey beginning in Dubai, passing through Panama’s forests and Mexico, eventually crossing the US border on February 1, 2025.
However, Raja was arrested by US authorities and deported to India on February 16, 2025. Meanwhile, his family allegedly paid another ₹22 lakh in cash to Surinder, bringing the total amount to ₹25 lakh. Raja’s traumatic experience highlighted the deep-rooted operations of illegal immigration agents.
Anticipatory Bail Rejected
The Additional Sessions Judge in Panipat dismissed co-accused Om Prakash’s anticipatory bail plea on March 21, as he feared arrest. The Punjab and Haryana High Court also rejected his subsequent plea on April 9, noting his prior involvement in a similar case.
The High Court stated, “The petitioner has criminal antecedents… and the case requires custodial interrogation.” The Supreme Court upheld this view, reiterating the seriousness of the allegations.
What is the ‘Dunki Route’?
The ‘dunki route’ refers to the illegal immigration pathway used by agents to smuggle people through countries like Dubai, Central America, and Mexico into the United States, often under inhumane and risky conditions. It has become a notorious method of human trafficking, particularly affecting vulnerable individuals in search of better livelihoods abroad.
SC’s Strong Message
By denying bail, the apex court has sent a clear message against such exploitation and the networks that support them. With illegal immigration cases rising, authorities are under pressure to crack down on these operations and protect innocent citizens from being misled and endangered.
