Two Ambala travel agents booked for US deportation fraud after Mohali youth's complaint
PTC Web Desk: In a significant development, the Punjab Police have registered a case against two travel agents from Ambala, Haryana, based on a complaint filed by a Mohali youth, Tarandeep Singh, who was deported from the United States. The accused have been identified as Gurjinder Antal and Mukul, both residents of Ambala Cantonment. The agents allegedly took Rs 45 lakh from the victim, promising to send him to the US for work.
According to the complaint, the victim was stranded for four months during his journey and requested to return to India. However, the agents allegedly insisted through audio messages that returning was not an option. The complainant also stated that the entire payment was collected before his arrival in the US. He has submitted all relevant evidence to the police.
The police have registered a case under Sections 143, 316(2), and 318(4) of the Indian Penal Code, along with provisions of the Immigration Act. An investigation is underway to apprehend the accused.
As per information, Tarandeep Singh came in contact with accused Gurjinder Antal and Mukul through his friend Gursharan Singh from Boothgarh. Gurjinder is a distant relative of his friend. On July 10, 2024, he handed over his passport to the agents, who promised to send him to the US by flight and arrange a job there, citing strong connections. They demanded Rs 45 lakh for the process.
After reaching Colombia, Rs18 lakh was reportedly paid to the agents by his family. The remaining amount was collected by the accused from his father after the victim reached Mexico. However, the victim was stranded in Colombia for four months, a situation that was not disclosed earlier. When he asked to return to India, Gurjinder allegedly sent an audio message insisting that returning was not an option.
The victim’s family contacted Mukul, asking to bring their son back, stating that they did not wish to send him to the US illegally. Despite offering to bear the expenses incurred until then, Mukul reportedly insisted that returning was impossible.
The victim alleged severe hardships during the journey, including crossing the US border illegally. He was subjected to torture, including being denied food and water for days. When he communicated his ordeal to his family, the agents allegedly ordered the smugglers to assault him. The victim claimed that the agents never informed him about the harsh journey, including traveling on foot and by small boats, as he was promised a comfortable trip via flights and cruises.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the Punjab Government to probe cases involving individuals deported from the US. So far, 11 FIRs have been registered. The government has assured full support to the victims, including loans and other assistance to help them rebuild their lives.
- PTC NEWS
