US deportees refrain from filing complaints against travel agents

The police in the Doaba region have received only two complaints against illegal immigration agents in the wake of deportations from the US, with sources attributing it to the reluctance among deportees who are hoping of getting their money back from agents.

According to a police source, many agents are “clandestinely approaching families” to strike deals, besides promising to return their money due to which people are refraining from lodging complaints.

“Many illegal agents have amassed huge wealth over the years and it is not impossible for them to reach out to the victims as they don’t lack resources,” a police officer said on the condition of anonymity.

Three US military planes carrying over 300 Indians had landed at the Amritsar international airport between January 5 and 16.

Those deported included 127 Punjabis, of which 52 belonged to the Doaba region — comprising Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahr districts.

The two complaints have been lodged by Kapurthala residents.

Manjit Singh, uncle of Nishan Singh, a Chakoki village resident who is one of the complainants, said his nephew was taken to the US through an illegal pathway despite the promise of sending him to that country through legitimate ways.

“The agents also charged extra money. We don’t know why others are not complaining. After returning from the US, our son is in a fix. Our family spent a huge amount on his migration to the US. Now, we might require to sell our land to repay debt. The agents must be held accountable for it,” he said.

Jalandhar Senior Superintendent of Police HPS Khakh said, “We have been counselling many families and reaching out to them but so far none of them has filed any complaint. We are patiently investigating and waiting for the people to come forward,”

Nawanshahr Superintendent of Police (Detective) Mukesh Kumar said, “No formal complaint was filed by any of the three returnees from the US.”

Hoshiarpur SP (Detective) Sarabjit Bahia promised strict action if any complaint was received. “Cases can only be registered if we receive complaints,” he added.