Gujarat agent held for smuggling Mehsana family into US via Canada

Ahmedabad, Gujarat : In a major breakthrough in Gujarat’s deep-rooted human smuggling networks, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Kalol resident Jitu Patel, a key operator accused of illegally sending dozens of Indian nationals, including a Mehsana-based Patel family, across the US-Canada border.

The case exploded after a man, his wife, and their son from Mehsana were caught illegally entering the United States from Canada and were subsequently deported by American authorities. Upon arrival in India, the family was taken into custody and interrogated by the CBI at its New Delhi headquarters.

During the probe, the family revealed that Jitu Patel was the agent who had arranged their unlawful passage to the United States. This information led to Jitu’s arrest in Kalol and opened a new front in the CBI’s battle against transnational human smuggling.

CBI sources said, “Jitu Patel is believed to have illegally sent over 50 individuals to the United States, primarily via the Canadian border, using a well-coordinated network.”

The agency is now meticulously tracking the number of people he trafficked, their current locations, and the fees charged per person. Investigators are also trying to uncover any financial transactions, forged documents, or corrupt officials who may have facilitated this illegal pipeline.

Jitu’s arrest has reignited memories of Gujarat’s infamous human trafficking racket, which came to light last year after a State Monitoring Cell investigation led to the arrest of 22 individuals, including Bobby Patel, considered a major player in the syndicate.

Further complicating the investigation are three fugitive masterminds – Charanjit Singh from Punjab, Munno Khatri, and Mahekan Patel – who are currently believed to be residing in the US and Canada. Red Corner Notices have already been issued against them, and extradition requests have been submitted to both governments.

Authorities are probing possible connections between Jitu Patel and this larger smuggling nexus, particularly whether he collaborated with or received logistical support from the trio now overseas.

A senior CBI officer stated, “This is not just about one family. It is about breaking an organized criminal enterprise that exploits vulnerable families desperate for a better future.”

The Patel family’s case may soon lead to further deportations from the US as more names surface during interrogation. The CBI has confirmed that once all individuals trafficked by Jitu are identified, a multi-agency operation will be launched to ensure they are returned and held accountable under Indian law.