CHANDIGARH, February 25: Punjab Police took action as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. They aimed to protect the youth aspiring to settle abroad from illegal travel agents. They conducted raids and carried out search operation at as many as 1274 immigration firms across the state.

Massive Operation Led by DGP

The operation targeting illegal travel agents was massive. It took place on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav. It was conducted simultaneously in all the 28 Police districts. The operation ran from 11 am till late evening on Monday. The development occurred during the ongoing crackdown against illegal travel agents across the state. This is happening because of the deportation of Indians from the USA.

Immigration Firms : 24 FIRs Registered, Arrests Made

Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla divulged details. He was personally monitoring this daylong state-level operation. He said that police teams have registered at least 24 first information reports (FIRs) against defaulter travel agents. They have arrested seven of them. He said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to constitute special police teams. These teams are supervised by gazetted officers. Their task is to carry out searches at all the immigration and travel agent firms in their respective jurisdictions.

Strict Action Against Violators

The authorities directed all CPs/SSPs to take strict action against travel agents who violated the mandatory provisions and procedures of the Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act, 2012.. It also included those who defrauded innocent people with false promises of facilitating illegal entry into foreign countries,” said the Special DGP.

Regulations Under Punjab Travel Act

The Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act 2012 requires all travel agents to obtain a license from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, valid for five years and renewable for another five-year period. Licensed agents must prominently display their license, maintain client and service records, and inform authorities before advertising or holding seminars. The law also prohibits agents from engaging in activities beyond their licensed services, such as human smuggling or unauthorized emigration assistance.Non-compliance can result in suspension or cancellation of the license and legal action.

Special Investigation Team Formed

Special DGP Arpit Shukla said that the DGP Punjab has constituted a four member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha to investigate complaints from deportees if any and take necessary action as per law.

Public Advisory

He exhorted citizens to be cautious and verify travel agents’ credentials before entrusting them with documents and money. “Only engage agencies with a valid license issued by the Deputy Commissioner under the Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act, 2012,” he advised.