In 6 years, over 2K cases against agents, illegal immigration

In the past six years, the police have registered 2,606 cases against fake travel agents and illegal immigration, with Karnal being the worst affected.

DGP Shatrujeet Kapur said in 2019, 213 cases were registered, followed by 582 (2020), 183 (2021), 300 (2022), 750 (2023), and 578 by the end of October 2024.

Karnal district has recorded the highest number of cases, with 658 registered in the last six  years. During the same period, Kurukshetra saw 574 cases, Ambala 457, Kaithal 256, Yamunanagar 217, and Panipat 106.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, helpline number 8053003400  has been set up, and an officer of the DSP rank has been designated as the nodal officer in each district, according to a police spokesperson.

Simultaneously, senior police officers, including SPs, have been issued directives to tighten the noose on travel agents. “The SPs have been instructed to monitor the number of complaints received, FIRs registered, criminals apprehended, and the amount of recovery from criminals,” the spokesperson added.

The new laws also include a provision to attach the house, shop, and other property of fraudulent agents engaging in illegal immigration activities.

The DGP said in the past 18 months, 1,014 accused have been arrested in 1,245 registered cases related to illegal immigration in the state.

Travel agents may provide fake tickets and visas, leading to an individual being denied air travel. Sometimes, individuals are misled by fake job offers and official-looking documents presented through emails, etc.

“Often, innocent and unemployed youth are trapped in the web of illegal immigration in the name of getting jobs abroad. The number of such cases is relatively high in Punjab and Haryana,” said the spokesperson.

Kapur said people should not trust any agent without investigation. For the convenience of people, a list of authorised and unauthorised agents had been uploaded on the Haryana Police website https://haryanapolice.gov.in/login. If a person became a victim of such fraud, they should immediately inform the nearest police station or helpline number.