A man from Punjab died of a heart attack in Guatemala while travelling to the United States via an illegal route, a state minister said on Sunday.

Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister, identified the man as Gurpreet Singh from Ajnala. He urged young people not to take such routes and instead seek skill education in India.

Singh was part of a group attempting to reach the US through what is known as the ‘dunki’ route, a pathway used by migrants trying to enter the country. His family reportedly paid Rs 16.5 lakh to agents for the journey.

The incident comes days after 104 Indian migrants, including 30 from Punjab, were deported from the United States on a military aircraft on February 5.

Dhaliwal visited Singh’s family and offered condolences, news agency PTI reported. He said the government would work to bring Singh’s body back to Punjab. He also said that instead of spending large sums on illegal immigration, young people could use the money to start businesses in the state.