Punjab police conduct raids at 1,274 immigration firms; register 24 FIRs, arrest 7

Punjab Police conducted raids and search operations at 1,274 immigration firms across the state on Monday.

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The development came following the crackdown on illegal immigrants in the US after Donald Trump became president, which brought attention to the issue of illegal immigration, .

Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who personally oversaw this daylong state-level operation, said that police teams registered at least 24 FIRs against defaulting travel agents and arrested seven of them.

He said that all CPs/SSPs were instructed to form special police teams, supervised by gazetted officers, to conduct searches at all immigration and travel agent firms within their respective jurisdictions.

“All CPs/SSPs were directed to ensure strict action against travel agents found violating the mandatory provisions and procedures of the Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act, 2012, or defrauding innocent people with false promises of facilitating illegal entry into foreign countries,” the Special DGP said.

According to the Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act, 2012, all travel agents are required to obtain a license from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, valid for five years and renewable for subsequent five-year periods. Licensed agents are also required to display their license prominently, maintain records of clients and services, and inform authorities before advertising or holding seminars. Additionally, agents are prohibited from engaging in activities beyond their licensed services, including human smuggling or unauthorised emigration assistance. Non-compliance can result in suspension or cancellation of the license and legal action.

Shukla said that DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav formed a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha, to investigate complaints from deportees, if any, and take necessary action according to the law.