A major case of immigration fraud has come to light in the Tosham area, where a youth from village Dhani Miran was allegedly cheated of ₹37.50 lakh on the false promise of obtaining a Canada work visa. Acting on the victim’s complaint, the police have registered an FIR against five accused, including three women from Punjab, under relevant sections of cheating and criminal intimidation.
According to investigating officer Mahabir Singh, the complainant Ramesh stated that in 2021, while getting hedges planted in the Sainiwas area near Siwani (Hisar), he came in contact with Ranjit Kaur Saini and Sukhvir Kaur of Rupnagar, Punjab, along with Manpreet, Randeep Singh and Bhavanpreet, a resident of Ghatoli. During their interaction, Ranjit Kaur claimed to be running a business that sends people abroad and arranges work visas. She allegedly told the complainant that she had already sent several people to Canada and that her son was also settled there.
Trusting their claims, Ramesh agreed to apply for a Canada work visa. The accused allegedly demanded a total amount of ₹37.50 lakh. As the complainant was unable to pay the amount in one go, he was asked to make payments in installments. Ramesh stated that between February 26, 2021 and June 20, 2023, he paid the entire amount in cash and through online transactions.
The complainant further alleged that he was later called to an office in Dashmesh Nagar, Kharar, Punjab, where he was introduced to the other accused. He was handed a receipt and was told that the money had been deposited with the embassy. He was also given an appointment letter for fingerprinting in Chandigarh. However, despite repeated follow-ups, no further progress was made in his visa process.
Threats After Demand for Refund
Ramesh alleged that the accused kept delaying the matter and continued to give false assurances. Around ten days ago, when he contacted them again, they informed him that the visa could not be arranged. When he demanded his money back, the accused allegedly threatened him with dire consequences and later stopped answering his calls.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. Officials said that financial transactions and other documentary evidence are being examined, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the probe.
