Panchkula: 2 booked for ₹15 lakh immigration fraud

# Alleged ₹15 lakh immigration scam leads to FIR in Panchkula

In Panchkula, a complaint lodged by Gurmeet Singh, a 40‑year‑old resident of Alipur village in Chandimandir, has resulted in an FIR against two persons for an alleged immigration fraud worth ₹15 lakh.

Singh said he first came into contact with Mandeep Sharma, a resident of Sector 25 in Barwala, two years earlier. At that time Sharma was employed by a nationalised bank. According to the complainant, the pair allegedly offered to arrange illegal immigration procedures in exchange for the money.

The case was registered at the local police station after Singh approached the authorities with his allegation. The two accused have been booked, though the report does not name the second individual beyond the mention of Sharma.

Immigration fraud has been a recurring concern in the region, with several instances reported in recent years where agents promise shortcuts for a fee. The latest episode in Panchkula underscores the persistence of such illicit networks and the need for vigilance among prospective migrants.

Police officials, while not providing further details in the immediate statement, confirmed that the investigation is underway. The filing of the FIR marks the first concrete step taken by law enforcement in this particular matter.

The complainant, who runs a small business in Alipur, described the episode as a betrayal of trust. He added that the amount demanded was substantial, reflecting the high stakes involved in obtaining legal residency abroad.

While the exact nature of the fraudulent activities remains under review, the registration of the case signals that authorities are taking complaints of this magnitude seriously. The incident also brings to light the broader issue of unregulated immigration consultancies operating in the area.

Legal experts note that immigration fraud can attract penalties under the Foreigners Act and related statutes, potentially leading to imprisonment and fines. The current charges, if proven, could result in similar repercussions for the accused.

For now, the matter remains under police scrutiny. Residents of Alipur and nearby sectors have expressed mixed reactions, with some urging stricter oversight of immigration agents and others cautioning against jumping to conclusions without full evidence.

The episode serves as a reminder that individuals seeking to migrate must verify the credentials of any intermediary they engage. Authorities continue to advise the public to report suspicious offers to the police.

Source: Hindustan Times