Punjab youths duped by travel agents, sent to blacklisted Russian university; face jail, torture
Two Patiala-based agents allegedly lured four youths with fake admissions, youths deported after seven days in jail
The Ludhiana police have registered a case against two Patiala-based travel agents who allegedly duped four youths, including a Patiala resident who paid Rs 14 lakh, by sending them to Russia for admissions in a blacklisted university.
Police said the accused agents admitted that the youths were sent to a blacklisted university, from where they were detained by authorities.
The accused have been identified as Gurpreet Singh and Sandeep Singh, owners of Khalsa Immigration and Education Consultant, located at GTB Nagar, 33 Feet Road, Jamalpur.
Complainant Sahil Singh, a resident of Azad Nagar on Sirhind road in Patiala, said he, along with three other youths, contacted the agents after seeing an advertisement on Instagram. The accused allegedly promised admission to a valid university in Russia. The youths collectively paid Rs 14 lakh to the agents, both in cash and through online transactions.
After reaching Russia, the complainant said they were detained by authorities from the university and lodged in jail, where they endured physical and mental harassment.
He alleged that the turbans of Sikh youths were forcibly removed, and they were asked to eat beef, which they refused. Authorities also attempted to forcibly recruit them into the Russian army to fight against Ukraine.
After seven days in jail, when the families were informed and contacted the agents, the accused allegedly refused to take responsibility and misbehaved with their parents.
The complainant further alleged that one of the agents had reportedly left the country, while the other continued to issue threats. Additionally, the accused reportedly filed a counter complaint against him to exert pressure.
The youths were deported to India on November 14 and subsequently lodged a complaint against the agents, demanding their immediate arrest.
The other three victims have been identified as Rawat Bharti of Ferozepur, Ram Kataria of Nawanshahr, and Gurjant Singh from Khanna.
