A former professor in Gandhinagar claims he was left repaying more than Rs 70 lakh after trusting an ex-student who promised Canada permanent residency and New Zealand work permits. The money was collected from nine aspiring migrants over nearly two years, but the visas never arrived.
The Allegations
The complainant, who operates multiple schools in Idar, alleges that the accused collected money over nearly two years while assuring applicants that their immigration cases were progressing smoothly. The accused was his former student at a commerce college in Gandhinagar, and they reconnected in 2023 to discuss overseas education and immigration opportunities.
How the Fraud Unfolded
The accused claimed to have successfully handled Canada PR and New Zealand work permit applications through his Gandhinagar-based consultancy. Trusting him, the professor began referring candidates from his coaching center. Between April 2023 and June 2024, nine students from Ahmedabad and Mehsana districts paid a total of Rs 70.2 lakh via RTGS, cheques, and cash.
The accused repeatedly assured applicants that their files were progressing and produced fake employment contracts and job offer letters purportedly from a New Zealand company. However, when the complainant contacted the company directly, it confirmed the letters were forged.
The Aftermath
As students demanded refunds, the professor faced mounting pressure. To protect his reputation, he arranged funds by taking loans, borrowing from relatives and friends, and pledging family jewelry to repay the full amount to the applicants.
Police have registered a case against the accused for cheating, criminal breach of trust, and forgery.
