Punjab forms SIT to probe human trafficking.
In December 2024, three travel agents were booked in Ludhiana for allegedly cheating people out of lakhs of rupees by promising them visas and lucrative jobs abroad. The accused lured victims with false assurances of secure employment opportunities in foreign countries, taking large sums of money in return. However, after receiving payments, they failed to deliver on their promises, leaving many stranded without visas or refunds. Following multiple complaints, the authorities initiated an investigation and registered a case against the agents. Law enforcement officials urged people to verify the credibility of travel agencies before making payments, as cases of fraud related to illegal migration and human trafficking continue to rise.
The Punjab Police on Friday formed a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe human trafficking and illegal migration following the deportation of 104 Indians, including 30 Punjabis, from the United States. The move comes in response to rising cases of immigration fraud and exploitation of individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced that the SIT will be led by Parveen Sinha, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) NRI Affairs. Other members include ADGP/Internal Security Shive Verma, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Provisioning Dr. S. Boopathi, and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Border Range Satinder Singh.
The SIT has been tasked with investigating all aspects of illegal migration, identifying those responsible, and taking appropriate legal action against perpetrators. The team has also been empowered to co-opt any other police officer in its probe. Coordination with district-level officers, including Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs), has been mandated to ensure smooth execution of the investigation. The SIT will receive all necessary infrastructural and logistical support for an effective inquiry.
This development follows an alarming surge in cases of immigration fraud in Punjab. Unscrupulous travel agents and illegal immigration rackets have been exploiting aspiring migrants, luring them with fake promises of visas and well-paying jobs abroad. Many victims end up losing their life savings, while some even face deportation after reaching foreign shores through unauthorized channels.
In December 2024, the Ludhiana police booked three travel agents for allegedly duping people of lakhs of rupees under false pretenses. Cases were registered against Sachin Punj of Lakshmi Nagar and Neha of Welcome Immigration, Ferozepur Road, based on a complaint by Ankita Sharma. Sharma alleged that the duo took Rs 6 lakh in instalments, promising her a visa and a job opportunity abroad. However, neither was arranged, and the money was not refunded.
Similarly, another case was filed against Rubina of New Kitchlu Nagar, who allegedly took Rs 8.50 lakh from a client, assuring a visa for Canada. The complainant later discovered that the visa was fake.
The increasing instances of fraud highlight the need for stricter action against human trafficking networks operating in the region. Many agents use deceitful tactics, including fabricated documents, fraudulent job offers, and false promises of permanent residency in countries like the US, Canada, and European nations.
Officials have urged people to remain vigilant and verify the credentials of travel agents before making payments. The police have also appealed to victims of immigration fraud to come forward and report cases so that strict action can be taken against offenders.
The SIT’s investigation is expected to bring greater accountability and transparency in immigration services. Authorities hope that this initiative will curb illegal migration and protect individuals from falling prey to unscrupulous agents, ensuring safer and more legal avenues for overseas employment and education.