A year after being deported from the United States, Amritpal Singh (29), a resident of Raja Garden on Hambran Road in Ludhiana, remains untraceable. His family had spent Rs 50 lakh, borrowed from various sources, to send him to the USA in hopes of a better life and financial stability. However, upon his return to India in April 2025, he vanished without a trace.
Amritpal, the son of a farmer, was deported along with several other Punjabi youths. After arriving at Delhi airport, he made his way to Ludhiana and contacted his family only once before disappearing. Since then, his relatives have been desperately searching for him.
Last Known Sighting
The last CCTV footage of Amritpal, dated April 1, 2025, shows him at a dhaba near the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH). In the footage, he is seen wearing a white T-shirt and a mask, entering the dhaba, having a meal, and then leaving. He was never seen again after that.
Gurjeet Singh, Amritpal's brother, recounted the family's ordeal to The Tribune. “Amritpal dreamed of settling in the US to ensure our family's welfare and give us a comfortable life,” he said.
The Journey and Deportation
A travel agent based in Jalandhar promised to send Amritpal to the US for Rs 50 lakh. The family borrowed the money from various sources in 2023. In July 2023, the agent first sent him to Dubai and then via the 'donkey route' through multiple countries, eventually enabling him to enter the US.
Amritpal worked in the US until June 2024, when he was caught during a crackdown on illegal immigrants by US immigration authorities. He was held in custody for several months before being deported.
On April 9, 2025, Amritpal and four other deportees arrived at Delhi airport. Although family members went to the airport, they could not meet him. Airport authorities confirmed his safe arrival. However, when the family returned to Ludhiana, Amritpal had not reached home, and his phone was switched off.
Disappearance and Investigation
On April 11, the family learned that Amritpal had checked into a hotel near DMCH, confirmed by CCTV footage. The next day, he visited a mobile shop in Ghumar Mandi, where he sold his iPhone and bought a cheap second-hand phone. Shop footage confirmed this transaction, but without the IMEI number of the new phone, his digital footprint vanished.
The family searched for him at religious places, including Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra and other gurdwaras he frequently visited, but found no sign of him.
Gurjeet Singh alleged that they lodged a police complaint at the Commissioner of Police office on April 14, 2025, and another at the PAU police station on April 29. However, the police registered a case only after two months.
“We suspect my brother might have slipped into depression after being deported despite spending Rs 50 lakh. He could have taken an extreme step. We also fear he might be illegally confined by some unidentified persons. The police should intensify the probe,” Gurjeet said.
A complaint against the Jalandhar-based travel agent has also been lodged, demanding an FIR.
The Ludhiana police finally registered a case against unidentified persons on suspicion of illegal confinement. SHO of PAU police station, Inspector Rajinderpal, said the investigation is underway and efforts are being made to trace the victim. The police remain in regular contact with the family.
