SIT Arrests Two in Punjab Ongoing Battle Fraudulent Travel Agents
In a concerted effort to combat the pervasive issue of human trafficking and fraudulent immigration practices, the Punjab Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), under the leadership of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) NRI Affairs, Praveen Sinha, has intensified its crackdown on unscrupulous travel agents operating within the state. This initiative has led to the registration of five new First Information Reports (FIRs) and the arrest of two additional agents, bringing the total number of FIRs to 15 and arrests to three.
Recent FIR Registrations and Arrests
The latest FIRs were lodged on February 17 and 18, 2025, across multiple districts, including Tarn Taran, SAS Nagar, Moga, and Sangrur. These cases involve agents who allegedly deceived individuals by promising illegal entry into the United States, resulting in their eventual deportation.
- Tarn Taran District: An agent operating from Chandigarh and Yamuna Nagar was accused of fraudulently collecting ₹44 lakh from a victim under the pretense of facilitating legal immigration to the U.S. Instead, the victim was routed through Nicaragua and Mexico, leading to deportation.
- SAS Nagar District: Agents identified as Mukul and Gurjinder Antaal allegedly misled a victim, extracting ₹45 lakh and sending the individual through Colombia and Mexico, culminating in deportation.
- Moga District: Sukhwinder Singh, Talwinder Singh, Pritam Kaur, and Gurpreet Singh, associated with Ekam Travels in Chandigarh, reportedly lured a victim with a counterfeit work permit and the promise of a direct flight to the U.S. for ₹45 lakh. The victim was instead sent via Prague, Spain, and El Salvador, leading to deportation.
- Sangrur District: A visa and travel company operated by Angrej Singh and Jagjit Singh from Haryana allegedly duped a victim of ₹50 lakh, promising a Canadian visa but routing the individual through Egypt, Dubai, Spain, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Both agents have been arrested by the Sangrur police.
- Goindwal Sahib: Agent Goldy, operating near Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, is accused of deceiving a victim into paying ₹45 lakh for purported legal entry into the U.S.
Operational Tactics of Fraudulent Agents
These unscrupulous agents exploit the aspirations of individuals seeking better opportunities abroad by promising safe and legal immigration routes. In reality, they subject victims to perilous journeys through unauthorized channels, often referred to as ‘donkey routes,’ exposing them to inhumane conditions, detention, and eventual deportation. The agents charge exorbitant fees, ranging from ₹44 lakh to ₹50 lakh, under the guise of providing legitimate immigration services.
SIT’s Coordinated Efforts
The SIT is actively collaborating with cybercrime units, financial authorities, and central agencies to unearth the full extent of these human trafficking networks. District Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) have intensified investigations, leading to multiple arrests and the freezing of bank accounts linked to these illicit operations. This multi-agency approach aims to dismantle the intricate web of fraudulent immigration consultancies operating both within Punjab and beyond.
Public Advisory and Preventive Measures
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, has reiterated the commitment of the Punjab Police to eradicate these fraudulent syndicates. He urges citizens to exercise caution and engage only with licensed immigration consultants, ensuring the verification of their credentials before proceeding with any overseas travel arrangements. This advisory is crucial in preventing further exploitation of vulnerable individuals by unauthorized agents.
Broader Context and Implications
The crackdown by Punjab Police comes in the wake of significant deportations of Indian nationals from the United States. On February 5, 2025, a US military aircraft deported 104 Indian illegal immigrants, primarily from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, back to India. This unprecedented use of military resources for deportation underscores the severity of illegal immigration issues and the imperative need for stringent measures against fraudulent agents facilitating such activities.
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The deportation incident has sparked widespread criticism and highlighted the human rights concerns associated with illegal immigration. Many deportees reported being handcuffed and shackled during the flight, describing the experience as ‘torture.’ This situation has intensified the focus on the unethical practices of unlicensed travel agents who exploit individuals’ aspirations for personal gain.
Conclusion
The concerted efforts by the Punjab Police’s Special Investigation Team signify a robust stance against the pervasive issue of human trafficking and immigration fraud. Through coordinated operations, public advisories, and legal actions, the authorities aim to dismantle these fraudulent networks and safeguard the rights and aspirations of individuals seeking legitimate avenues for international opportunities. Public awareness and cooperation remain pivotal in eradicating the menace of unauthorized immigration consultancies and ensuring the integrity of lawful migration processes.
