SIT dealing with immigration fraud/foreign sending has registered a total of 1008 cases so far – Anil Vij

Chandigarh : Haryana’s Home Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that a new SIT dealing with immigration fraud/foreign sending has registered a total of 1008 cases in the state so far, leading to the arrest of 662 accused. He informed that both the new and old SITs have recovered a total of 47,596,100 rupees.

Sh. Vij addressed a press conference here in Chandigarh today. On this occasion, Inspector General of Police Sh. Sibas Kaviraj, Superintendent of Police Sh. Jaswinder Singh Randhawa, and Sh. Abhishek Jorwal were also present.

*The new SIT has recovered 2,94,38,300 rupees – Vij*

Sh. Vij said that the new SIT, until April 17, 2023, registered a total of 383 cases related to previous frauds, resulting in the arrest of 153 accused. He further shared that from April 17, 2023, to December 12, 2023, a total of 625 cases were registered, and 509 accused were arrested. During this period, a recovery of 2,94,38,300 rupees was made.

He explained that in Ambala, 182 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 196 individuals. Similarly, in Yamunanagar, 63 cases were registered, and 33 individuals were arrested. In Kurukshetra 156 cases registered, with 90 individuals arrested.

Cases were also reported in Panipat (29), Rohtak (4), Bhiwani (1), Dadri (1), Sonipat (3), Panchkula (11), Karnal (48), Kaithal (78), Narnaul (1), Nuh (2), Faridabad (1), and Gurugram (1). In total, 509 accused were arrested in immigration fraud cases.

*The old SIT has recovered 1,81,57,800 rupees – Vij*

Sh. Vij highlighted that before this, under the headed of Smt. Bharati Arora (Retired), an SIT was formed on June 2, 2020, to handle immigration fraud cases. This SIT, led by Bharati Arora, registered 486 cases and arrested 593 accused from June 2, 2020, to November 30, 2021, recovering 1,81,57,800 rupees during this period.

*Sh. Shivas Kaviraj, Inspector General of Police, Ambala Range, formed the new SIT – Vij*

He informed that to expedite the resolution of pending cases and curb fraud against the general public related to sending abroad, a new SIT was formed on April 17, 2023, led by Sh. Sibas Kaviraj, Inspector General of Police, Ambala Range, with Sh. Jaswinder Singh Randhawa, Superintendent of Police, Ambala Cantonment, and Sh. Abhishek Jorwal, Superintendent of Police, Kaithal (currently Deputy Commissioner Headquarters, Faridabad), as members.

*For the ongoing investigation of cases by the new SIT, one officer each has been appointed as the nodal officer – Vij*

The Home Minister said that, as of April 17, 2023, the newly appointed SIT head, Sh. Sibas Kaviraj, received a total of 383 pending cases related to immigration fraud for investigation. On April 20, 2023, a nodal officer for the ongoing investigation of each case was appointed in every district for monitoring and oversight.

*Since the formation of the SIT, an average of 2 accused are arrested daily in cases related to fraud – Vij*

Describing the work carried out by the newly formed SIT, Sh. Vij stated that out of the pending 383 cases and the newly registered 625 cases, a total of 356 accused were arrested. With the current SIT’s formation, an average of 2 accused individuals are arrested daily in cases related to immigration fraud.

*Helpline number 80530-03400 issued for the assistance of victims in immigration fraud cases – Vij*

He added that a helpline number, 80530-03400, has been established for the assistance of individuals affected by immigration fraud. Complaints can be registered on this helpline, providing information related to complaints.

*Registration and Regulation of the Travel Agencies Act and Rules 2023 to be implemented in Haryana – Vij*

Sh. Vij stated that to regulate and control fraudulent agents involved in sending people abroad, similar to Punjab and Chandigarh, the Registration and Regulation of the Travel Agencies Act and Rules 2023 will be implemented in Haryana. This will be presented in the upcoming legislative session. He emphasized that this act includes provisions for penalties, fines, and security measures.

Responding to a question, Sh. Vij expressed the desire to protect the hard-earned money of people from fraudulent agents, and hence, the act aims to prevent people from falling into their traps. He mentioned that fraudulent activities, ranging from 8 lakhs to 60 rupees, have been reported in the name of sending individuals abroad, with an average of around 25 lakhs rupees.

He highlighted that more than 80 individuals’ histories have been scrutinized by the current SIT.Regarding the fraud cases committed by Punjab residents, he informed that action has been taken against individuals from both Haryana and Punjab, and cases have been registered.

Responding to a question about fraud under the guise of sending people abroad, he mentioned that most people are sent to Latin American countries, as well as the UK and the USA. Innocent individuals go there and get trapped. Out of the 509 arrested individuals, approximately 65 agencies are involved, he added.

In response to another question, Sh. Vij stated that information about the deaths of four people has been received, and strict action has been taken in those cases. He also mentioned that several cases of fake visas have come to light, which is not in the national interest.