**Title:** Jharkhand Police Dismantles International Human Trafficking Ring
**Meta Description:** Jharkhand Police has arrested five individuals in a major human trafficking case involving illegal migration to the US via the dangerous ‘donkey route.’
**URL Slug:** jharkhand-police-human-trafficking-arrests
**Headline:** Jharkhand Police Uncover and Bust International Human Trafficking Network
In a significant operation, the Jharkhand Police dismantled an international human trafficking network accused of luring individuals with false promises of illegal entry into the United States through the perilous ‘donkey route.’ This crackdown led to the arrest of five suspects, including the alleged mastermind, following a formal complaint from a trafficking survivor.
The term ‘donkey route’ refers to an illicit migration method that circumvents official immigration channels. It typically involves treacherous journeys across several countries, often orchestrated by unlicensed travel agents, and is commonly used by individuals seeking to reach countries like the US, UK, or Canada.
The case emerged when Sonu Kumar, a resident of Bharajo village in Hazaribagh district, filed a complaint on July 30. He accused Uday Kumar Kushwaha, a villager who has reportedly resided in the United States for over 40 years, of trafficking him under the pretense of providing employment opportunities in America.
According to police reports, in 2024, Sonu was allegedly sent to Brazil using forged documents. Upon arrival, he was handed over to a human smuggling syndicate, along with two other victims, Bikash Kumar and Pintu Kumar, who were also trafficked from Delhi to Brazil on different dates. The traffickers aimed to transport them illegally through a series of countries, including Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala, before reaching the US.
Sonu was held captive by the traffickers for 50 days, during which Uday Kumar Kushwaha allegedly extorted ₹45 lakh from Sonu’s family. Under duress, his father sold ancestral property to gather the funds, which were then sent to Uday’s associates through various channels. Eventually, Sonu reached San Diego via Mexico City but was apprehended by US border authorities and detained for nearly four months before being deported back to India in March 2025. Upon his return, Sonu faced threats and assaults from Uday and his brother when he attempted to recover the money.
Fearing for his safety, Sonu lodged a formal complaint under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In response, the Hazaribagh Superintendent of Police established a special task force led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Bishrugarh. This operation culminated in the arrest of five individuals: Uday Kumar Kushwaha, Darshan Prasad, Lal Mohan Prasad, Chohan Prasad, and Shankar Prasad.
During the investigation, authorities recovered mobile phones, documents, bank receipts, and a notebook detailing the money collected and individuals trafficked. Officials also identified a list of individuals who had allegedly been sent to the US via the donkey route in recent years. The police have indicated that this case is part of a broader international trafficking network, and further investigations are ongoing.
**FAQ:**
**What is the ‘donkey route’ in human trafficking?**
The ‘donkey route’ refers to an illegal migration path that bypasses official immigration processes, involving dangerous journeys through multiple countries, often facilitated by unlicensed agents.
