Jalandhar: Man runs from pillar to post for brother’s return from Russia; 8 travel agents booked

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 2

It’s the story of Mandeep Kumar (31), who is stuck in Russia, and his brother Jagdeep. Mandeep’s wellbeing and whereabouts are not known for the past six months, while, in India, Jagdeep is making all efforts to ensure his brother’s return.

He is keeping in touch with the police, giving information against the “travel agents” who allegedly tricked his brother into joining the Russian army. Jagdeep was allegedly duped of Rs 6 lakh on the pretext of legally sending his brother from Armenia to Italy via Russia, Finland and Germany.

The rural police lodged an FIR against eight travel agents in July, but only one arrest has been made in the case so far. Sohan, a 45-year-old suspect arrested from Dasuya, Hoshiarpur, was not a registered travel agent. The police said he also used to introduce himself as a journalist working for some news portal.

Other agents are Gurpreet from Gurdaspur, Sandeep, Joginderpal and Jashan from Bholath, Ankit (Russia) and Gulshan from Pathankot. A case under Section 13 of the Punjab Travel Professional Regulations Act has been registered against all of them.

Phillaur DSP Sarwan Singh said the process to issue look-out circulars against all accused had begun and none of them would be able to escape now. Mandeep went to Armenia to earn livelihood, but after spending some time there, he decided to work in Italy. He got to know about travel agent Gurpreet from Gurdaspur through the social media. He then asked his brother Jagdeep to talk to Gurpreet.

“He then introduced me to Sandeep and others, and demanded money. I gave them over Rs 6 lakh, but they didn’t fulfil their promise and instead Ankit, who was in Russia, forced my brother to join the army there,” alleged Jagdeep.

The Goraya police have been conducting raids. Recently, a police team visited Delhi to nab another accused, but didn’t succeed. “It’s a nexus that will be completely busted when we arrest others too,” said the Goraya SHO.

Phillaur DSP added, “We are actively looking into the case and will nab them soon.”