A woman accused of running an overseas-visa fraud scheme was produced in court on Thursday, where police secured a two-day remand for further questioning. The accused, identified as Aarti Sandhu, a resident of Prahladpuri in Jagadhri, was arrested on Wednesday evening from Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh by the Economic Cell team of the Yamunanagar police.
Inspector Om Prakash, in charge of the Economic Cell, along with SI Ravindra Kumar, led the operation to apprehend the suspect. Police spokesperson Praveen Shyokand confirmed that Sandhu’s arrest followed a complaint filed by Iqbal Singh, a resident of Farl village, who alleged that the accused had cheated him under the pretext of sending his son abroad.
Promise of New Zealand Visa for ₹16 Lakh
According to the police, the complainant wanted to send his son, Hoshiyar Singh, overseas for better opportunities. In June 2023, he contacted the Best Visa Consultancy office in Yamunanagar after seeing its advertisement. There, he met office operator Aarti Sandhu, her brother Yogesh, and another associate, Sudesh.
The trio allegedly promised to arrange a New Zealand visa within ten days and demanded ₹16 lakh for the entire process. Initially, the accused assured the family that no payment was needed upfront and that the visa would be “confirmed without any charges.” However, as the process progressed, the suspects allegedly extracted the full amount from the victim through various means.
Fake Visa, Airport Detention
Despite receiving the money, the accused reportedly prepared a fake visa and instructed the victim’s son along with two other youths to proceed to Delhi Airport for travel. During immigration inspection, officials found the visas to be fabricated, and all three were sent back.
Following the failed attempt, the complainant contacted the accused, but they allegedly responded with threats, verbal abuse, and a complete refusal to return the money.
FIR Registered, Investigation Continues
A case was later registered at Pundri Police Station, prompting the launch of an investigation that led to Sandhu’s arrest. Police are now questioning her to identify additional victims, trace the flow of money, and determine the roles of her accomplices.
Officials say more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses, given the rising number of visa-fraud cases emerging across the region.
