In a major case of fraud, five individuals operating a travel agency in Nagpur have been formally charged for allegedly cheating 66 people out of more than ₹57 lakh. The accused had promised to arrange the sacred Umrah pilgrimage but failed to send even a single person and refused to return the money.
How the Elaborate Fraud Unfolded
The scam came to light after Ashraf Ali (30), a resident of Ganeshpeth, filed a detailed complaint at the Tehsil police station. According to the First Information Report (FIR), Ashraf had contacted a tour and travel agency located in Timki, Mominpura, through acquaintances to make arrangements for performing Umrah.
The agency reportedly won the trust of Ashraf and 65 other aspiring pilgrims. They provided assurances of handling all necessary arrangements, which included securing visas, booking flights, arranging accommodation, and managing other formalities for the religious journey.
The Modus Operandi and Police Action
Between the period of 2024 and early 2025, the accused allegedly collected a total sum of ₹57 lakh from the victims. Payments were made through a combination of online transactions and cash.
When the promised dates for departure arrived, none of the pilgrims were sent. The victims' repeated requests for refunds were allegedly ignored, which ultimately prompted Ashraf to approach the authorities.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the Tehsil police station registered a case against five accused. Those named in the FIR are: Mohammad Ijaz Ahmed (55), Madiha Abish Ansari (24), Mohammad Safe Ejaz Ansari (26) (who is the wife of Mohammad Ijaz Ahmed), and Syed Izhar Patel (45). All are residents of Takia in the Tehsil area.
The case was registered under Sections 318(4), 316(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which correspond to charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and common intention.
Ongoing Investigation and Official Advice
Sub-Inspector Sushant Bhagat is leading the investigation into the matter. Police sources have indicated that the investigation team is now actively tracing the money trail, examining bank accounts, and looking into the possible involvement of other associates.
Police authorities have made a public appeal, urging any other individuals who may have been similarly cheated by the same agency to come forward and record their statements to aid the investigation.
In light of this incident, senior police officials have advised devotees to exercise extreme caution. They recommend that for such important religious journeys, people should only approach government-recognised agencies or those officially empanelled with the Haj Committee of India to avoid falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.
