Los Angeles, California, USA: A 26-year-old man from Haryana’s Jind district lost his life in Los Angeles last week after he intervened to stop someone from urinating in public. Authorities in the U.S. are still investigating the case, while his grieving family in India struggles to arrange for the return of his body.

The victim, identified as Kapil, was born on May 22, 2000, in the Barah Kalan village of Jind. In 2022, he reached the United States via the risky and illegal “donkey route”—a dangerous path involving secret border crossings and desert passages. His family had spent nearly ₹45 lakh, raised by mortgaging farmland, to send him abroad. At the time of the incident, Kapil was employed as a security guard in California.

Eyewitnesses said the situation escalated when Kapil confronted a man relieving himself outside the store he was guarding. The man reportedly pulled out a firearm and shot Kapil. He was rushed to a hospital, but the medical staff could not revive him.

The loss has placed Kapil’s family under severe financial strain. Having already spent their resources on his migration, his parents now face the additional cost of nearly ₹15 lakh to bring his body back to India. Relatives and community members have appealed to the Haryana government and the Centre for urgent assistance. Village sarpanch Suresh Gautam has also called for official intervention.

The incident highlights not only the risks of irregular migration routes but also the tough conditions faced by many migrant workers in low-paying, vulnerable jobs abroad. As of Monday, Los Angeles police had not announced any arrests or identified any suspects in connection with the shooting.