By Darshana Jamindar
Three days ago, 4 members of the same Patel family, including a 4-years-old child from Dingucha village in Kalol, died of frostbite on Canada-US border. The tragedy has received serious attention around the world, prompting a flurry of investigations in the United States, Canada and India. Canada and India have launched a joint investigation into the incident, which may have exposed agents operating in India, including Gujarat, for illegal infiltration. External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar has noted the deaths of 4 Indians on Canada’s border with the United States. Gujarat Police Chief Ashish Bhatia has handed over the entire case to CID Crime Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. Police have also obtained details from Talati of Dingucha village, including names of deceased couple in the voter list.
Agent Steve Sand, who was taking Indians, was arrested. According to the police complaint, driver of the truck removing snow told that he met with an agent named Steve Sand on January 19. Agent named Steve Sand from Florida was picked up after 4 bodies were found. The man is suspected of being involved in smuggling Indians. According to Court documents, the men used to take large sums of money to get entery in Canada on illegal Student Visas. A large-scale human trafficking racket is likely to emerge in a Canadian police investigation.
Steve Sand identified himself as Uber Driver. A report published in Canada states that Steve Sand has two cars, Toyota 2016 model and a Honda Civic. Car owner is believed to have gone to drop off tourists at the border. Sand has however been released on a bond subject to certain conditions. Sand will have to attend the court whenever the case is heard in court.
Indian Consulate will assist Canadian agency in the investigation. High Commission of India said in a statement in Canada that Consular officials met in Winnipeg last week to investigate and identify the migrants. A team led by Indian Consulate General in Toronto, which is in Manitoba, is assisting the Canadian agency in its investigation. A Canadian report also said the identification would be possible only after all investigations were completed.
Patel family died in heavy snowing. Jagdishbhai Baldevbhai Patel, a native of Dingucha village in Kalol taluka of Gandhinagar, his wife Vaishaliben, daughter Vihangi (Gopi) and son Dharmik had left 10 to 12 days ago left saying father Baldevbhai that they were going to Canada. However, due to bad luck, they were not able to cross the US border from Canada and due to heavy snowfall, they were separated from the group and died in extreme weather.
Children’s clothes, diapers and toys were found from them. According to police complaint, all these people were speaking in Gujarati. After landing in Canada they walked for 11.5 hours. Four people who were with them had already arrived at his location. Baby diapers, toys, baby medicine, clothes were found in their bag.
Deal was fixed with Agent for Rs 1.65 crores. According to speculations in Dingucha village, the Patel family decided to pay Rs 1.65 crores to a local agent for crossing US border from Canada. The agent also told the family to be ready after Uttarayan and the family had left with the group 12 days ago, that is why main person Baldevbhai Patel of the family did not know exactly who went with his son Jagdish.
Baldevbhai is a farmer and owns 20 acres of land. Jagdish, who helped Baldevbhai in farming, settled in Kalol for the good education of his children and ran an electrical shop there. It is believed that there is a strong desire to go abroad, especially in the Patidar community of North Gujarat.
As per source.
