Haryana Police Crack Down on Organised Immigration Fraud Racket in Panchkula
In a significant breakthrough, the Haryana Police have successfully busted a sophisticated organised immigration fraud racket operating in the Panchkula district. The authorities have arrested three individuals who are accused of cheating a local man out of a staggering sum of Rs 35 lakh. The fraudulent scheme was based on the false promise of sending the victim's son abroad to the United States on a legitimate work visa.
Complaint Leads to Investigation and Arrests
The case came to light after Krishan Lal, a resident of Garhi Kotaha village in Panchkula, filed a formal complaint at the Raipur Rani police station. According to police reports, the investigation revealed that the accused had specifically targeted Lal, assuring him that they could facilitate his son's migration to the US through legal channels. The arrested individuals have been identified as Sandeep Kumar from Patiala, Pawan alias Pammi from Sector 3 in Panchkula, and Satnam Singh from Pitampura in Delhi.
Deceptive Tactics and Financial Exploitation
Police detailed how the accused gained the complainant's trust by leveraging personal connections and presenting themselves as reliable intermediaries. They provided assurances that the entire visa process would be completely legal and free from any complications. To avoid detection and banking records, the fraudsters insisted that all payments be made exclusively in cash. Shockingly, the complainant was reportedly persuaded to sell his own land to gather the necessary funds, demonstrating the extent of the financial pressure applied.
Over an extended period, approximately Rs 35 lakh was handed over to the accused in multiple instalments. In December 2023, the perpetrators claimed that the son had successfully obtained a work visa and had departed from Delhi airport for the United States. However, the truth soon emerged that the youth had actually been sent abroad illegally via the notorious "dunki route," a method involving unauthorized border crossings. Consequently, he was detained by foreign authorities and subsequently deported back to India.
Ongoing Investigation and Recovery Efforts
During the course of the investigation, the involvement of the third accused, Satnam Singh, was uncovered, leading to his arrest. So far, the police have managed to recover Rs 14 lakh from the fraudsters. Additionally, mobile phones seized from the accused are currently under forensic examination to gather further evidence and uncover additional leads.
Authorities are actively working to identify and apprehend other members associated with this racket. The three arrested individuals have been produced before a local court and have been remanded to judicial custody as the legal proceedings continue.
This case highlights the growing menace of immigration fraud schemes that prey on individuals aspiring for better opportunities abroad. The Haryana Police have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on such organised criminal activities and safeguarding citizens from financial exploitation.
