A Canada Student Visa Fraud case has come to light in Punjab after Barnala Police arrested an AAP sarpanch for allegedly cheating a Barnala resident of ₹36 lakh on the promise of securing a student visa for his son. Police say the accused allegedly assured the complainant that the student would be sent abroad and even offered land as security if the visa process failed.
An FIR has been registered against three members of the same family, while police continue to search for the main accused.
Key Highlights : Canada Student Visa Fraud
- Case: Canada Student Visa Fraud
- Amount Allegedly Involved: ₹36 lakh
- Location: Barnala, Punjab
- Arrested: AAP Sarpanch Manpreet Kaur
- Main Accused: Sony (absconding)
- Victim: Barnala resident
- Purpose: Student visa for Canada
- Police Status: Investigation ongoing
Canada Student Visa Fraud: What Happened?
According to police, the Canada Student Visa Fraud case began when Barnala resident Avtar Singh wanted to send his son, Jaspinder Singh, abroad on a student visa.
The complainant alleged that he came into contact with Sony, who reportedly operated an immigration business and claimed to have successfully sent hundreds of students overseas, particularly to Canada.
Police said the accused allegedly convinced the family that he could arrange a Canadian student visa and admission for the complainant’s son.
₹36 Lakh Allegedly Collected
According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that the accused collected approximately ₹36 lakh, which reportedly included college fees and other expenses related to the overseas study process.
Alleged Payment Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Canada |
| Visa Category | Student Visa |
| Amount Allegedly Paid | ₹36 lakh |
| Purpose | Overseas education and student visa processing |
The complainant alleged that despite receiving the money, the promised student visa was never secured.
Land Offered as Security
Police stated that the accused family allegedly assured the complainant that if the student could not be sent abroad, they would transfer a piece of land as security.
However, according to the complaint:
- The student visa was never obtained.
- The promised land was allegedly never transferred.
- The complainant later approached police seeking legal action.
The allegations form the basis of the ongoing Canada Student Visa Fraud investigation.
FIR Registered Against Three Accused
Based on the complaint, Barnala Police registered an FIR against:
| Name | Alleged Role |
|---|---|
| Sony | Main accused |
| Manpreet Kaur | Arrested |
| Sukhjit Kaur | Named in FIR |
The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to:
- Cheating
- Criminal breach of trust
- Criminal conspiracy
The allegations remain under investigation, and guilt has not been established.
AAP Sarpanch Arrested, Main Accused Still Absconding
Barnala SSP Sarfaraz Alam confirmed that Manpreet Kaur, an AAP sarpanch from Hero Kalan village in Mansa district, has been arrested in connection with the Canada Student Visa Fraud case.
Police also confirmed that the alleged main accused, Sony, has not yet been arrested and efforts are continuing to trace him.
Further investigation is underway.
Immigration Frauds Advisory
The Canada Student Visa Fraud case highlights the importance of verifying immigration consultants before making substantial payments.
Students and parents should:
- Verify the consultant’s credentials.
- Confirm college admissions directly with the institution.
- Obtain written agreements for all payments.
- Avoid making large cash payments without proper receipts.
- Independently verify visa applications and admission status.
Taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of overseas education fraud.
FAQs : Canada Student Visa Fraud
What is the Canada Student Visa Fraud case?
The Canada Student Visa Fraud case involves allegations that a Barnala resident was cheated of ₹36 lakh on the promise of securing a Canadian student visa for his son.
How much money was allegedly involved?
According to the complaint, approximately ₹36 lakh was allegedly paid.
Who has been arrested?
Barnala Police have arrested Manpreet Kaur, an AAP sarpanch from Hero Kalan village.
Who is the main accused?
Police say Sony, who allegedly operated an immigration business, is the main accused and is yet to be arrested.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes. Barnala Police are continuing the investigation and searching for the remaining accused.
Final Takeaway On Canada Student Visa Fraud
The Canada Student Visa Fraud case serves as another reminder that families planning overseas education should carefully verify immigration consultants and student visa claims before paying large sums of money. According to police, the complainant allegedly lost ₹36 lakh after being promised a Canadian student visa for his son.
Police have arrested one accused, while efforts continue to locate the remaining suspect as the investigation progresses.
Source : The Times Of India
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