Ludhiana Police Book Australia-Based Woman and Seven Relatives in Major Wedding Fraud Case
Police in Ludhiana have taken decisive legal action by registering a first-information report (FIR) against an Australia-based woman and seven of her relatives. The case centers on serious allegations of a meticulously planned wedding fraud amounting to approximately Rs 50 lakh, coupled with the theft of 200 grams of gold from the groom's family residence.
Details of the Alleged Fraud and Theft
The complaint was formally lodged by Harpreet Singh, a resident of Lohara village, with the Sadar and Daba police stations. According to the official report, Singh's family expended nearly Rs 50 lakh on the wedding of his son, Navkiranjit Singh, to the accused, Navneet Kaur. A critical component of the marriage agreement was that Navneet Kaur would facilitate Navkiranjit's relocation to Australia and include him as a spouse in her pending application for Australian permanent residency (PR).
The situation deteriorated significantly following a visit by Navneet Kaur's parents and other relatives to the complainant's home in India. Harpreet Singh alleges that during this stay, the visitors stole 200 grams of gold jewelry along with other valuable items. This alleged theft sparked a confrontation in Australia when Navkiranjit confronted his wife about her family's actions.
Retaliation and Immigration Sabotage
In what police are treating as an act of retaliation, Navneet Kaur reportedly withdrew her husband's name from their joint Australian PR application file. This action has placed Navkiranjit Singh's immigration status and future in Australia in serious jeopardy, effectively sabotaging the primary promise of the marriage arrangement.
"The accused not only cheated us financially but also stole gold and other valuables from our house," Harpreet Singh stated emphatically in his police complaint, highlighting the dual nature of the alleged offenses.
Legal Proceedings and Charges Filed
Following a thorough inquiry into the complaint filed on January 13, authorities have officially registered the FIR against eight individuals. The accused parties include:
- Navneet Kaur (currently residing in Australia)
- Teja Singh Nagra and Harpal Kaur Nagra (Navneet Kaur's parents, based in Mohali)
- Five additional relatives from Patiala and Sangrur districts
Investigating officer Assistant Sub-Inspector Surinder Kumar has confirmed that the charges are substantial and multifaceted. They include:
- Criminal breach of trust under Section 406 of the Indian Penal Code
- Cheating under Section 420
- Theft under Section 380
- Criminal conspiracy under Section 120-B
The investigation remains active and ongoing. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made, but police are pursuing all legal avenues to address the serious allegations of financial fraud, theft, and the deliberate undermining of immigration processes.
