Indian Deportees from US Allege Harsh Treatment, Government Responds
Were Indians Really Handcuffed and Chained? Here’s What We Know
A US military aircraft carrying 104 Indians, including women and children, landed in Amritsar, bringing back individuals deported for illegal immigration. Reports and social media posts claimed that the deportees were subjected to handcuffs and leg chains throughout the journey, sparking outrage and political debate.
Government’s Clarification vs Deportees’ Claims
While a viral image allegedly showing Indians being restrained gained traction, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check clarified that the image was not of Indian deportees but of Guatemalan nationals. However, deportees like Jaspal Singh, a 36-year-old from Gurdaspur, Punjab, insisted that they were indeed handcuffed and chained, with restraints only being removed after landing.
Political Reactions and Comparisons to Past Incidents
The issue quickly turned political, with opposition leaders criticizing the Modi government’s response. Congress leader Pawan Khera recalled how, during the UPA era, India’s foreign ministry had strongly protested when Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade was allegedly strip-searched in the US in 2013. Critics argue that the current administration has not taken a similarly strong stance on the treatment of deported Indian nationals.
Who Were the Deportees?
Among the 104 deported Indians, the majority hailed from Haryana (33), Gujarat (33), Punjab (30), Maharashtra (3), Uttar Pradesh (3), and Chandigarh (2). The group included 19 women and 13 minors, with children as young as four, five, and seven years old.
The deportation was part of the US crackdown on illegal immigrants, a policy that was in place during Donald Trump’s administration and continues under the current government.
What Happens Next?
While the Indian government has downplayed reports of mistreatment, the firsthand accounts from deportees tell a different story. With political leaders demanding a stronger diplomatic response, the incident has once again raised concerns about the treatment of Indian migrants abroad and the government’s role in protecting its citizens’ dignity.
News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”
