A serious Hajj Travel Fraud case has emerged from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, where a retired government employee has alleged that he was cheated of ₹12.17 lakh after being promised a private Hajj pilgrimage. According to the complaint, the accused allegedly collected money for the pilgrimage, sent fake flight tickets, and later refused to return either the money or the passports.
Based on the complaint, Rampur City Kotwali Police have registered an FIR against two accused and initiated an investigation.
Key Highlights : Hajj Travel Fraud
- Case: Hajj Travel Fraud
- Location: Rampur, Uttar Pradesh
- Amount Allegedly Cheated: ₹12.17 lakh
- Victim: Retired District Supply Office employee
- Police Action: FIR registered; investigation underway
Hajj Travel Fraud: How the Alleged Scam Began
According to the complaint, Jameel Ahmad, a retired Class-IV employee of the District Supply Office, regularly visited Moti Masjid near Nodra Chowki for prayers.
During this period, he allegedly came into contact with:
- Khwaja Ahmad Qari, Imam of Moti Masjid
- Imran
The complainant alleged that after learning he had been unable to secure a government Hajj quota, the accused offered to arrange a private Hajj pilgrimage for him and his wife.
According to the complaint, the total cost quoted was ₹9 lakh.
Lifetime Savings Allegedly Handed Over
Believing the assurances, the complainant alleged that he arranged the required amount by:
- Using his lifetime savings.
- Spending pension funds.
- Selling agricultural land.
- Selling his wife’s gold earrings.
According to the complaint, between May and June 2026, he allegedly handed over ₹9 lakh in cash to the accused.
Farewell Ceremony Also Organised
According to the complaint, the accused instructed the family to organise a farewell gathering before the Hajj journey.
The complainant alleged that:
- Around ₹2.5 lakh was spent on the farewell feast for relatives and villagers.
- The accused also allegedly took:
- A goat valued at ₹17,000.
- Other household items worth approximately ₹50,000.
Alleged Financial Loss
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cash Paid for Hajj | ₹9,00,000 |
| Farewell Feast Expenses | ₹2,50,000 (Approx.) |
| Goat | ₹17,000 |
| Other Items | ₹50,000 (Approx.) |
| Total Alleged Loss | ₹12.17 lakh |
Fake Flight Tickets Allegedly Sent
According to the complaint, the accused sent flight tickets through the complainant’s son’s WhatsApp account.
However, the complainant alleged that:
- The tickets were later deleted.
- The accused claimed the booking had been cancelled.
- The departure date was repeatedly postponed.
Suspecting something was wrong, the family reportedly verified the tickets at a travel café, where they allegedly discovered that the tickets were fake.
Money and Passports Allegedly Withheld
According to the complaint, after discovering the alleged fraud, the complainant requested:
- Refund of the money.
- Return of the passports.
The complainant alleged that the accused refused to return either.
He further alleged that when he protested, he was abused and threatened with false police cases.
These allegations form the basis of the police investigation.
FIR Registered by Rampur Police
Following the complaint submitted through the Chief Minister’s grievance portal and to the Superintendent of Police, Rampur City Kotwali Police registered an FIR against:
| Accused | Role |
|---|---|
| Khwaja Ahmad Qari | Imam, Moti Masjid |
| Imran | Co-accused |
The FIR includes allegations of cheating and other applicable legal provisions.
The allegations remain under investigation, and the accused are entitled to due legal process.
Police Investigation Underway
According to Additional Superintendent of Police Anurag Singh, police have begun investigating the matter.
Investigators are expected to examine:
- Financial transactions.
- Alleged fake flight tickets.
- Passport-related records.
- WhatsApp communications.
- Statements of the complainant and witnesses.
Further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
Case Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Jameel Ahmad |
| Occupation | Retired District Supply Office Employee |
| Destination Promised | Hajj Pilgrimage |
| Amount Allegedly Lost | ₹12.17 lakh |
| FIR Registered | Yes |
| Police Station | City Kotwali, Rampur |
| Current Status | Investigation underway |
Immigration Frauds Advisory
This Hajj Travel Fraud case highlights the importance of verifying travel operators and pilgrimage organisers before making large payments.
Before booking any pilgrimage or overseas travel:
- Verify the organiser’s registration and authorisation.
- Confirm bookings directly with airlines and authorised operators.
- Never rely only on WhatsApp screenshots or forwarded tickets.
- Keep written agreements and payment receipts.
- Verify flight tickets through official airline websites before travel.
Taking these precautions can help travellers avoid financial fraud.
FAQs : Hajj Travel Fraud
What is the Hajj Travel Fraud case?
According to the complaint, a retired government employee alleged that he lost ₹12.17 lakh after being promised a private Hajj pilgrimage.
How much money was allegedly involved?
The complainant alleges a total financial loss of approximately ₹12.17 lakh, including travel payments and related expenses.
How was the alleged fraud discovered?
The complainant alleged that the flight tickets sent through WhatsApp were later verified and found to be fake.
Has an FIR been registered?
Yes. Rampur City Kotwali Police have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes. Police are examining financial records, documents and digital communications.
Final Takeaway On Hajj Travel Fraud
The Hajj Travel Fraud case from Rampur underscores the importance of verifying travel arrangements before making substantial payments. According to the complaint, a retired government employee allegedly lost ₹12.17 lakh after being promised a private Hajj pilgrimage, only to later discover that the flight tickets were allegedly fake.
Police have registered an FIR, and the investigation is continuing.
Source : Amar Ujala
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