Khanna cops raid 10 immigration centres, seize passports, electronic devices, cheque books
Businesses allegedly involved in preparing fake docs, aiding fugitives evade action
The Khanna police on Thursday raided at least 10 immigration centres and seized passports, cheque books, laptops, computers, mobile phones and other incriminating materials, said officials.
They said the action was taken against businesses allegedly involved in aiding gangsters, fraudsters and other fugitives in evading action by helping them escape forged documents.
According to the officials, 30 passports, 34 laptops and computers, 15 ATM cards, 51 mobiles and 175 cheque books were seized during the raids in GTB Market, Khanna.
Police said those raided also included unauthorised travel agencies and immigration offices fleecing innocent citizens through false promises of greener pastures.
Police said the operation was conducted on basis of information and inputs generated during recent interrogation of organised crime associates during “attack on gangsters”.
The police are yet to make a formal statement regarding the outcome of these raids. However, officials confirmed process was initiated for registering cases on charges of forgery and cheating, and relevant sections of the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act.
At least four out of about 100 employees of the raided immigration centres were found to be nominated in FIRs registered at Nawanshahr, Delhi and Khanna.
Khanna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Darpan Ahluwalia said 10 special teams conducted the simultaneous raids in GTB Market, a hub of immigration and travel businesses in the Malwa region.
According to the police, the operation stemmed from investigation of an old case and was aided by vital inputs regarding a network of notorious drug illegal weapon suppliers.
“We have received vital information about involvement of some of the immigration centres in facilitating gangsters and smugglers. However, we can’t divulge the details at this stage as it would hamper further investigation,” said Ahluwalia, confirming the seizures made during the raids.
