Indian Smugglers Sentenced 10 Years Over Family Deaths US-Canada Border

Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, known as "Dirty Harry," and Steve Anthony Shand were sentenced to over 10 years and six-and-a-half years in prison, respectively, for their roles in a human smuggling operation that led to the deaths of an Indian family of four who froze to death near the US-Canada border in a blizzard. The family, which included two adults and their children aged 11 and 3, had traveled from Gujarat, India, to Canada on visas and were being smuggled into the US when they became separated from a larger group and succumbed to extreme cold. Patel organized the smuggling logistics from Manitoba, Canada, while Shand acted as a driver to pick up migrants after crossing into the US, transporting them to Chicago. Prosecutors revealed the operation involved bringing dozens of Indian nationals to Canada on fraudulent student visas before smuggling them south, charging roughly $100,000 per person. Despite prosecutors recommending nearly 20 years for Patel and 11 years for Shand, the judge imposed lighter sentences, citing Shand's limited role and personal circumstances. Both were convicted on multiple counts including human trafficking and culpable homicide, with Patel denying involvement and Shand's defense describing his role as minor and financially motivated.