Policeman duped of Rs 1.27L by travel agent

A travel agent was booked by the Ludhiana police for allegedly duping an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of Rs 1.27 lakh. The suspect, Sachin Puj, had promised to send the ASI’s niece to the UK for further studies.

According to the police, the ASI, Gurmel Singh, had paid Rs 6 lakh to Sachin to facilitate his niece’s travel to the United Kingdom. However, despite repeated assurances, the visa did not materialise. When the policeman confronted the suspect, he returned Rs 4.25 lakh in instalments but refused to refund the remaining amount.

The ASI had initially complained to the police on May 27, 2023, stating that Sachin had cheated him. The police investigated the matter and found the allegations to be true. Subsequently, the police registered a case against the man under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Sub-inspector Bibal Kaur, who is investigating the case, said further investigation in the matter was underway. The police were also verifying documents and statements of the suspect. He will be arrested soon, the police said.

The police have advised people to be cautious while dealing with travel agents and to verify their credentials before making any payments.

The police have also stated that anyone who has been cheated by the suspect should come forward and register a complaint against him.