A shocking betrayal of trust has emerged from Moga, where a young man was drugged, held hostage, and extorted for Rs 22 lakh by his childhood friend, who had been settled in Canada for 20 years. The victim, Prabhjot Singh of Kapure village, had approached his old friend Amandeep Singh for assistance in moving to Canada, only to fall into a carefully laid trap.
The Deceptive Promise of a New Life
According to the FIR registered by Moga police, Prabhjot's father, Gurinder Singh, paid an advance of Rs 2 lakh to Amandeep Singh for visa and travel arrangements. Trusting the long-standing friendship, the family believed their son was on his way to a better future. However, instead of securing a flight to Canada, the accused lured Prabhjot to Kolkata, where he was confined against his will in a secret hideout.
Drugged and Forced to Deceive Family
While held captive, the kidnappers heavily drugged Prabhjot. Under the influence of intoxicants and extreme coercion, he was forced to call his family and falsely report that he had successfully landed in Canada and was doing fine. Overjoyed by the news, the unsuspecting family fell into the trap. To clear the remaining "dues" for his safe arrival, Gurinder Singh transferred an additional Rs 20 lakh, bringing the total amount scammed to Rs 22 lakh.
Panic and Realization
The celebratory mood in the victim's household quickly turned to panic when subsequent attempts to contact Prabhjot went unanswered. The grand illusion shattered when the family realized he had never left the country. Instead, he was being held hostage in Kolkata by the very friend they had trusted. Days after Prabhjot returned home and narrated the story of deception, a formal complaint was lodged by his father.
Legal Action and Investigation
The Moga police have registered a case based on the complaint. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities probing the roles of Amandeep Singh and his accomplices. This incident highlights the risks of trusting even long-standing friendships when large sums of money and overseas opportunities are involved. The police urge the public to verify credentials and use authorized immigration services to avoid falling prey to such scams.
