## Two Convicted in Tragic Human Smuggling Case Leading to Family's Death

In a disturbing case of human smuggling gone wrong, a Minnesota jury has found Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Anthony Shand guilty on all charges related to the deaths of an Indian family attempting to illegally cross from Canada to the United States in January 2022. The charges included human trafficking, criminal conspiracy, and culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The trial showcased the tragic demise of the Patel family—Vaishaliben, her husband Jagdish, and their two young children, Vihangi and Dharmik—whose bodies were discovered frozen in a Manitoba field just 12 meters (39 feet) from the U.S. border. The family, originally from western India, had traveled on visitor visas to Toronto, Canada, before embarking on the fatal journey across the border amidst a blinding blizzard with temperatures dropping to -35°C (-31°F).

Prosecutors argued that while the Patels suffered and eventually perished in the severe cold, Shand remained in the warmth of his van and Patel was in sunny Florida, oblivious to their plight. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McBride emphasized that both men had been aware of the lethal conditions but prioritized profit over the lives of the migrants.

Lawyers for Shand contended that he was an unknowing participant, recruited by Patel, and lacked knowledge of the criminal enterprise. They urged the jury to examine the reliability of witness testimonies and consider other potential culpabilities in the tragic deaths.

The trial also brought to light the intricacies of the international smuggling network. Testimony was provided by Rajinder Pal Singh, a convicted human smuggler, who revealed the involvement of another alleged smuggler, Fenil Patel. According to Singh, Fenil Patel, charged by Indian police for the family's death, had facilitated the family’s acquisition of Canadian visas for their illegal crossing.

Yash Patel, a 23-year-old survivor from the group that included the Patel family, recounted the harrowing experience of being dropped off in the middle of the blizzard in Manitoba. He described the fear and desperation as the group became separated while attempting to find another vehicle.

The jury, reaching a verdict after only a few hours of deliberation, found both defendants guilty. Sentencing for Patel and Shand, who each face up to 55 years in prison, will be determined at a later date. This case underscores the perilous realities and human cost of illicit migration schemes orchestrated for financial gain.