A group of 12 individuals, originally from Nurmahal and Phillaur, came together for a press conference with the intent of shedding light on a fraudulent travel agent. The alleged perpetrator, Gurwinder Singh, hailing from Achan Chak village in Phillaur, was accused of orchestrating a scheme that swindled residents out of a staggering Rs 1.80 crore, all under the guise of facilitating visas for their children seeking entry into the United States.
The victims revealed that Gurwinder not only absconded with their hard-earned money but also furnished them with counterfeit visas. Each victim suffered losses ranging from approximately Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Gurwinder neither delivered the promised visas nor refunded their funds. Harpal Singh, one of the victims from Phillaur, shared his harrowing experience, having sold 10 acres of land to send three family members to America after being introduced to Gurwinder by a fellow resident named Anita Rani. In 2021, he handed over Rs 45 lakh to Gurwinder, who even provided them with a reference in the form of a Jagraon girl residing in the United States. Unfortunately, Gurwinder failed to honor his commitments, leaving the victims distraught.
Sadhu Singh, another Phillaur resident, similarly parted with Rs 40 lakh in hopes of securing visas for two family members, only to be left empty-handed. Despite filing a complaint with the Phillaur police, no action had been taken.
The victims, all of whom lacked formal education, lamented their misfortune and the loss of their lands and ancestral properties due to Gurwinder and Anita's deceitful narrative. They now demand a fair and impartial investigation into the matter.
The Senior Superintendent of Police (Rural), Mukhwinder Bhullar, acknowledged meeting with the victims and has requested crucial details, such as copies of the fraudulent visas and transaction records, by Monday. He assured the victims that a thorough investigation would ensue based on the evidence, and an FIR would be lodged against the suspect. Bhullar also urged residents to exercise caution and verify the credentials of travel agents before making payments.