Ludhiana Travel Agent Accused of Duping Three Rajasthan Youths in Rs 20 Lakh Visa Scam
In a shocking case of immigration fraud, the Ludhiana police have registered a formal complaint against a local travel agent accused of swindling three young men from Rajasthan out of a substantial sum of Rs 20 lakh. The agent allegedly promised to facilitate their overseas education but failed to deliver, leading to a criminal investigation.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
According to police reports, the complainant, Shonik Kukkad, a resident of Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, who is also involved in immigration-related work, contacted Gurvinder Kaur, also known as Gagan Saran. Kaur operates RK Travellers and Immigration, located on Pakhowal Road in Ludhiana. Kukkad struck a deal with her to send three students abroad for their studies, with two slated for Australia and one for Singapore.
The transaction involved a payment of Rs 20 lakh, which Kukkad had collected from the youths and handed over to Kaur. However, after receiving the funds, the agent began to delay the visa processing indefinitely. Despite repeated follow-ups over a considerable period, the students' files remained unprocessed, prompting Kukkad to demand a refund.
Police Investigation Underway
When Gurvinder Kaur flatly refused to return the money, Kukkad filed a formal complaint with the Ludhiana police. Authorities have since registered a case and launched a thorough probe into the matter. The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the fraud and hold the accused accountable under relevant legal provisions.
This incident highlights the risks associated with unauthorized immigration services and serves as a cautionary tale for students and their families seeking overseas education opportunities. The police have urged the public to verify the credentials of travel agents and immigration consultants before engaging their services to avoid such scams.
