Kaithal man duped of Rs 40 lakh in fake US immigration scam

A man from Kurad village in Kaithal district was duped of nearly Rs 40 lakh by two individuals who promised to send him to the US through legal means but instead trafficked him across multiple countries. The Kalayat police station has registered a case under Sections 316(2) and 318(4) of the BNS, along with Section 24 of the Immigration Act, against the accused.

In his complaint, Rakesh alleged that Harsh Pratap and Ajit Singh lured him with the promise of a legal US visa via Guyana and Mexico. Rakesh recounted that he first met Harsh Pratap at a wedding in Assandh, Karnal, a year ago. “We stayed in touch, and Harsh assured me he could arrange a legal immigration process for Rs 40 lakh,” Rakesh said.

Between August 2024 and January 2025, the duo collected money from Rakesh and his maternal uncle, Ravindra Kumar, through both cash and digital payments. “I handed over my passport and Rs 2 lakh as an initial payment in August 2024. Later, I paid Rs 1.5 lakh in cash and Rs 50,000 via digital transfer to Ajit Singh’s account,” Rakesh added.

Rakesh was first sent to Mumbai and then flown to Guyana in September 2024. However, upon arrival, his nightmare began. “My passport and money were seized by a human trafficking network. They tortured me and demanded more money,” he said.

Despite his family making additional payments, Rakesh was not sent to Mexico as promised. Instead, he was trafficked through several countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala. He endured captivity for around 10 days in inhumane conditions, often deprived of food and water and subjected to further extortion.

Eventually, he was taken to Mexico, where he attempted to cross into the US. However, on February 1, 2025, US authorities apprehended him. “I was detained for 14 days before being deported to India on February 15,” Rakesh said.

Kaithal SP Rajesh Kalia confirmed the registration of the case. “We have lodged an FIR under relevant sections of the BNS and the Immigration Act. The matter is under investigation,” he said.