Mohali, 7 November 2024: Kharar police arrested a Haryana native, Naveen Kumar, currently residing in Balongi, Mohali, on charges of operating a fraudulent immigration scheme.
Authorities seized ₹20 lakh and two passports from Kumar during the arrest, officials revealed Wednesday.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Karan Singh Sandhu, speaking at a press conference, said the arrest followed a complaint by Sachin Singh of Sangrur. Sachin alleged that he paid ₹10 lakh to Kumar to facilitate his brother’s relocation to Canada, along with his brother’s passport. Despite multiple promises, Kumar failed to deliver.
“Instead of fulfilling his commitments, the accused kept collecting money without a license to send anyone abroad,” DSP Sandhu said.
According to Sandhu, Kumar relied on contacts with immigration consultants but failed to follow through.
“The victims were directed to Delhi under false assurances that they would soon be sent abroad,” Sandhu explained, urging the public to verify agents’ credentials before making payments.
The investigation deepened when Sachin spoke with Mandeep Singh, an acquaintance, who reported a similar experience.
Mandeep also paid ₹10 lakh to Kumar to facilitate his cousin’s travel abroad, with no results. This revelation prompted Sachin to lodge a formal complaint with the Balongi police.
Kumar now faces charges under Sections 316(2) (criminal breach of trust) and 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as relevant provisions of the Immigration Act, with the case registered at Balongi police station.
