CHANDIGARH, February 15: There has been a significant development amidst the ongoing crackdown against fraudulent immigration consultants. The NRI Affairs wing of Punjab Police has arrested a travel agent. The agent has been identified as Anil Batra. He is one of the four accused involved in the illegal immigration scam case.

SIT registered 10 first information reports against travel agents

The development came close on the heels of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by Punjab Police. They registered 10 first information reports (FIRs) against travel agents. These agents allegedly deceived victims with false promises of facilitating illegal entry into the United States. This deception resulted in their deportation. Pertinently, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav constituted a four member SIT. The SIT’s purpose is to probe complaints of fraudulent travel agents involved in deceptive immigration practices. The SIT has been urging the deported individuals to come forth and help. Their assistance is crucial to ensure that those violating the laws face justice.

Fraudulent Immigration : Arrest happened under the close supervision of SP NRI Affairs Patiala

The SIT, led by ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha, directed the operation. A team led by SHO Police Station NRI Patiala, Inspector Abhey Singh Chauhan, arrested the accused Anil Batra.The arrest happened under the close supervision of SP NRI Affairs Patiala Gurbans Singh Bains. Anil Batra, accused and a resident of Shanti Nagar, Teka Market, Thanesar, Kurukshetra, Haryana, is in custody. The police apprehended him at his in-laws’ residence in Patiala (5-E Partap Nagar) and charged him in FIR No. 06. The date is February 8, 2025. The charges are under sections 406, 420, 370, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Additionally, it includes Section 24 of the Emigration Act. Batra is accused of facilitating the illegal immigration process. He arranged a Visa of country Suriname. He also arranged a ticket for the complainant.

The authorities have frozen Anil Batra’s bank account

Once in Suriname, the victim travelled overland to other countries in South America. These included Brazil or Colombia. He then crossed into Central America. In Central America, he travelled through several countries. These included Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. He finally reached the United States of America (USA) illegally with the help of traffickers and smugglers. As of February 14, 2025, the authorities have frozen Anil Batra’s bank account, which holds a balance of Rs 6.35 lakhs. DGP Gaurav Yadav reiterated the Punjab Police’s commitment to dismantling these criminal networks and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation. He urged the public to come forward with any helpful information. This could assist in arresting culprits who have registered cases against them. Additionally, the DGP advised citizens to only approach licensed agents for immigration services. He emphasized the importance of verifying their credentials thoroughly to avoid falling prey to scams.