A woman from Phillaur in Punjab has approached the police alleging that she was cheated of ₹37.60 lakh after being promised that her son and daughter-in-law would be sent to England.
According to the complaint, the alleged transaction took place after the family was assured that the required overseas travel and immigration arrangements would be handled. The promised move, however, did not materialise, and the complainant says the money was not returned.
Punjab Police registered a case after conducting an inquiry into the allegations.
Four People Named in the Case
The reported case names four individuals — Amandeep Sabharwal, his wife Reena, Ruby and Mani Gill.
Amandeep, Reena and Ruby are reportedly from Chuhki village near Noormahal, while Mani Gill is associated with Nakodar.
The available report contains a discrepancy between the number of accused mentioned in its opening and the names listed in the body. Therefore, the case is best described as involving four people named in the reported FIR details, pending access to the original FIR or further police clarification.
₹37.60 Lakh Allegedly Paid for Overseas Travel
The complainant, identified as Manju of Raipur Araian village, reportedly told police that she was approached with assurances that her son and daughter-in-law could be sent to England.
She allegedly paid ₹37.60 lakh in connection with the promised arrangements. When the proposed travel did not happen, she sought the return of the money but claims that it was not repaid.
Investigators will now have to establish the exact flow of the funds, including who received the payments and whether any part of the amount was actually used for legitimate immigration-related services.
Documents and Payment Trail May Be Important to Investigation
A key part of the probe could involve examining any documents provided to the family during the alleged transaction.
Police may look into visa applications, appointment records, receipts, agreements, sponsorship-related paperwork and communications between the parties. The authenticity and purpose of any such documents would need to be established through investigation.
The available information does not establish at this stage that forged immigration documents were used. The central allegation is that money was taken after assurances were allegedly made regarding the couple's travel to England.
The financial trail could also become important. Bank transfers, receipts and other transaction records may help investigators establish how the ₹37.60 lakh moved between the parties.
Police to Establish Whether a Genuine Immigration Process Began
The case remains under investigation, and several questions are likely to be examined.
These include whether an actual visa application was submitted, whether any authorised immigration representative was involved, and whether payments were made to legitimate service providers or authorities.
Investigators may also examine messages, phone records and other communications to understand what representations were made to the complainant before the money was paid.
If portions of the alleged payment were made in cash, establishing the complete transaction history could require additional documentary and witness evidence.
Overseas Visa Fraud Complaints Highlight Need for Verification
Cases involving promises of overseas employment, education, visas or settlement can involve substantial financial transactions. For families considering migration, verifying an intermediary's credentials before making payments is particularly important.
Independent verification of the proposed immigration route, written documentation, proper receipts and a clear record of payments can help establish what service was actually promised.
Where a large financial transaction is involved, maintaining complete records can also be important if a dispute later requires formal investigation or Due Diligence.
The Phillaur case is still under investigation, and allegations against the named individuals have not been established as proven facts by a court.
What Applicants Should Check Before Paying an Immigration Agent
People considering overseas travel or immigration should independently verify the credentials of any person or agency offering such services.
Before making substantial payments, applicants should:
- Ask for a written agreement clearly describing the services.
- Obtain receipts for every payment.
- Keep copies of applications and immigration-related documents.
- Verify whether the claimed immigration process actually exists.
- Avoid relying solely on verbal promises of guaranteed visas or overseas travel.
- Preserve bank records, messages and other communications connected with the transaction.
The investigation into the Phillaur complaint will determine whether the allegations are supported by financial records, communications and other evidence.