Punjab Man Files FIR After Thailand Job Promise Turns into Myanmar Trafficking Nightmare
A 41-year-old man from Punjab's Moga district has filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the police, alleging that he was lured with the promise of a lucrative job in Thailand only to be illegally trafficked to Myanmar via treacherous jungle and river routes. The complaint, registered at the Moga Cyber Crime police station, details a harrowing ordeal of deception, forced labor, and eventual rescue by the Thai Army.
Victim's Account: From Nursing to Nightmare
According to the FIR, the victim, Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Suraj Nagar in Moga, was working as a qualified nurse at a cancer hospital in Ludhiana. Seeking better opportunities abroad, he was introduced through a neighbor, Sunila, to a woman named Glory Masih, a native of Partap Pura in Jalandhar but believed to be currently residing in Thailand.
Kumar stated that Glory Masih assured him of a trading job in Thailand with a monthly salary ranging between Rs 65,000 and Rs 70,000. She instructed him to reach Bangkok at his own expense, promising employment upon arrival.
The Deceptive Journey: Bangkok to Myanmar via Illegal Routes
Acting on this assurance, Kumar boarded a flight from Amritsar and landed at Bangkok airport on August 8 last year. However, instead of a job offer, he was met by a taxi that transported him to a remote jungle area near a river. There, he encountered another individual in a similar predicament.
The duo was then taken by "donkers" (a term often used for illegal border crossers or smugglers) across the river, illegally entering Myanmar. This route, commonly referred to as the "dunki" or illegal crossing method, bypassed all formal immigration checks, trapping Kumar in a foreign land under coercive conditions.
Forced Labor and Assault in Myanmar
Upon reaching Myanmar, Kumar was taken to a company office where employees wore uniforms resembling military attire. He was informed that he must work for them, and when he refused, he was subjected to physical and mental assault. With no alternative, he complied under duress.
Kumar's assigned task involved chatting with South Asians living in the United States via a mobile application. Contrary to the promised salary, he received only Rs 15,000 per month instead of the initially assured Rs 32,000. When he expressed his desire to return to India, his captors demanded a ransom of Rs 5 lakh for his release, further exacerbating his plight.
Rescue and Return to India
After nearly two months of forced labor, Kumar and others were rescued by the Thai Army on October 22, 2025. They were subsequently repatriated to India, with Kumar arriving at Ghaziabad airport on November 6, 2025, marking the end of his traumatic overseas experience.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Based on Kumar's complaint, the Moga police have registered an FIR against Glory Masih under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 143(1) for human trafficking
- Section 318(4) for cheating
- Section 146 for unlawful compulsory labor
Investigation Officer Amandeep Singh confirmed that a probe has been initiated and stated, "The victim has claimed that he was forced into labour against his wish and was taken to Myanmar instead of Thailand via illegal dunki route. We will nominate more accused in the case as probe progresses." The police are actively investigating the matter to uncover further details and potentially involve additional suspects.
This case highlights the dangers of overseas job scams and illegal trafficking networks that exploit individuals seeking better employment opportunities. It underscores the need for heightened vigilance and verification when considering job offers abroad, especially those requiring personal travel arrangements to foreign destinations.
