Mumbai Crime Branch, investigating a large-scale human trafficking racket involving fake visas and passports, has made another major revelation. The probe has revealed that the gang not only sent youths abroad on fake documents but also deployed their own agents to accompany them. These agents provided crucial assistance to the youths in clearing foreign airport checks and navigating the necessary procedures.
According to the Crime Branch, the human trafficking gang followed a well-planned strategy. When they sent a youth to Poland, Turkey, or the UAE, they simultaneously or slightly earlier sent one of their agents on a separate flight to the same destination. By the time the youth landed, the agent would already be present at the foreign airport, ready to assist them in bypassing security checks and offering other necessary support to avoid detection.
A senior Crime Branch official revealed that once the youths reached Poland, Turkey, or the UAE, the gang’s agents would escort them to the border before their illegal entry into the US. Once the youths successfully crossed into the US via the donkey route (illegal land crossing), the agents' job would be complete.
During interrogation, the mastermind of the racket, Ajit Puri, confessed that he sent agents with all 80 youths he trafficked abroad. He ensured they received support from Mumbai Airport to their final destination, preventing their capture. For this service, the gang charged each youth between ₹30-40 lakh.
The investigation has also shed light on a suspect, Bhaskar Roshan Dudhwadkar, who was arrested at Mumbai Airport. During questioning, he mentioned the name of one Rajesh Panchal, claiming he was the main kingpin. However, the police have found no evidence of an agent by that name so far.
According to a Crime Branch officer, Dudhwadkar allegedly gave the name Rajesh Panchal to mislead the police and protect the actual ringleader, Ajit Puri. Investigators have yet to identify any agent by the name of Panchal. The Mumbai Police are in continuous contact with US authorities to identify the youths who have already entered the US through the donkey route.
