Main Accused in Major Haj Pilgrimage Fraud Case Arrested in Hyderabad
In a significant breakthrough, the prime accused in a major fraud case targeting Haj pilgrims in Kolkata's New Town area has been arrested in Hyderabad after returning to India from Kuwait. The arrest brings some relief to nearly 400 victims who were collectively cheated of approximately Rs 2 crore.
How the Elaborate Fraud Was Executed
According to police officials, accused Mohammad Mahabur Mondal had opened a travel agency office in New Town and began advertising Haj pilgrimage packages at an attractively low rate of Rs 50,000 per person. This offer, significantly below market rates, proved irresistible to many prospective pilgrims.
Lured by the seemingly genuine opportunity, approximately 400 individuals booked their slots for the sacred journey. They collectively handed over close to Rs 2 crore to Mondal's agency, with many victims reportedly saving for months specifically for this pilgrimage.
The Sudden Disappearance and Investigation
The fraud came to light in November last year, just before the scheduled departure dates. Pilgrims arriving at the agency office found it locked, with the owner having vanished without a trace. An immediate complaint was filed at the Eco Park Police Station on November 21, triggering a police investigation.
Police investigations revealed that Mondal had conducted extensive promotional campaigns through various WhatsApp groups to attract prospective pilgrims. Simultaneously, he began collecting substantial amounts of money from eager applicants. One complainant alone alleged paying Rs 37 lakh on behalf of 74 Haj pilgrims.
International Manhunt and Arrest
"We discovered that Mondal had fled abroad after shutting down his office," explained a senior police officer involved in the case. "Immediately, we issued a look-out notice against him and alerted immigration authorities across all major entry points in the country."
The coordinated effort paid off when immigration officials in Hyderabad detected Mondal's arrival on Wednesday. They promptly alerted Kolkata police, who dispatched a special team to Hyderabad to take the accused into custody.
"He landed in Hyderabad and was detained by immigration authorities," the officer confirmed. "Our team traveled to Hyderabad and formally took him into custody. We will now conduct detailed interrogations to determine if others were involved in this elaborate racket."
Ongoing Investigation and Impact
Preliminary police investigations suggest the total amount involved in the fraud is approximately Rs 2 crore, though officers acknowledge this figure could increase as more victims come forward. Many of those cheated had already begun their travel preparations when the fraud was discovered, adding emotional distress to their financial losses.
The arrest marks a crucial step in providing justice to the hundreds of pilgrims who placed their trust and savings in what they believed was a legitimate opportunity to undertake one of Islam's most sacred journeys. Police authorities have emphasized their commitment to thorough investigation and appropriate legal action against all involved parties.
