Two Haryana-based immigration agents, identified as Gurjinder Singh Antal and his partner Mukul, have been booked by the Mohali police for fraud, property misappropriation, and human trafficking. The accused allegedly duped a Punjab resident, Taranveer Singh, out of ₹45 lakh with false promises of legal immigration to the United States.
Taranveer, a resident of Khera, Sialba Majri, was among the 67 deported Punjabis who landed at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar on Saturday night via a special flight. According to his complaint, he was introduced to the accused through a friend, Gursharan Singh, and entrusted them with his passport on July 10, 2024.
The immigration agents had assured him a legal passage to the U.S. in exchange for ₹45 lakh. His father made an initial payment of ₹18 lakh once Taranveer reached Colombia, where he was stranded for four months. Subsequently, he was moved to Mexico, at which point the agents demanded the remaining sum.
A case has been registered against the duo under Sections 143, 316(2), and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 24 of the Immigration Act, at Majri police station.
Mohali SSP Deepak Pareek stated, “A complaint was received, and action was taken. All other U.S. deportees have been asked to meet the police tomorrow to discuss their cases.” Meanwhile, police teams have been dispatched to Ambala to apprehend the accused.
The case highlights the growing issue of illegal immigration networks that exploit desperate individuals seeking a better future abroad. Authorities have urged victims of such fraud to come forward and report their cases.
