Scott Anderson, Andrew Culbert, Steven D’Souza · CBC News
Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, known by the alias “Dirty Harry,” has been arrested in Chicago in connection with the deaths of an Indian family of four, who froze to death while attempting to cross the U.S.-Canada border in January 2022. The bodies of 39-year-old Jagdish Patel, his 37-year-old wife Vaishali, their 11-year-old daughter Vihangi, and 3-year-old son Dharmik were found just 12 meters from the U.S. border near Emerson, Manitoba.
Patel, who is facing federal charges of transporting illegal aliens and conspiracy, is accused of playing a pivotal role in the smuggling operation that led to the deaths of the Patel family. He allegedly managed a gambling operation in Florida and coordinated with Steve Shand, another alleged smuggler, to bring the family across the border illegally. Shand is already facing federal charges related to his involvement in smuggling migrants into the U.S.
On the morning of January 19, 2022, Shand was arrested near the border in Minnesota while attempting to transport migrants, including the Patel family, in a rented passenger van. Cellphone messages between Patel and Shand have been uncovered, showing that Patel helped facilitate the smuggling operation on the U.S. side of the border.
The Patel family’s deaths, caused by exposure to extreme cold, highlight the dangers faced by those attempting to cross the border illegally. Court documents reveal that Patel was in contact with Shand hours before the family was found frozen to death, further implicating him in the tragedy.
Shand, who was apprehended by border agents, is also facing serious charges for his role in the human smuggling operation. The investigation into Patel’s involvement continues, as authorities work to bring those responsible for the family’s deaths to justice.