Kapurthala police have registered two separate fraud cases after two local families claimed they were cheated of ₹20 lakh each by agents who promised to arrange visas and travel to Canada or the United States. The total amount involved is ₹40 lakh. In both instances, the complainants say the agents collected the money but failed to complete any travel process or return the funds despite repeated requests. The first complaint was filed by Chain Singh, a resident of village Madho Jhanda. He alleged that Shaily and her husband Satnam Singh, both residents of Budhiana in Jalandhar, assured his family they would secure a family visa for Canada and arrange their travel. Trusting the couple, the family paid ₹20 lakh. When the process did not move forward, and refund demands were made, the accused allegedly kept delaying the matter. Police registered a case against the couple.
The accused had not been arrested at the time reports emerged. The second complaint came from Rupinder Kaur of village Kadal Kalan. She stated that an agent from Pathankot, along with Satnam Singh (also known as Shama) of Budhiana and Gurtej Singh Bhullar of Sangrur, promised to send her to the United States or Canada. The group allegedly took ₹20 lakh for the arrangements. After the promised travel failed to materialise within the expected time, her requests for a refund were also met with delays, according to the complaint. Police are examining the transaction details provided by the complainants, including how the money was paid, and checking whether any genuine visa applications or travel arrangements were ever initiated.
Investigators are also looking into the possibility that the same individuals may have collected money from other people under similar pretences. Further action will depend on the evidence collected during the probe, including bank records and related documents. Cases of alleged immigration and visa fraud continue to surface in Kapurthala and other parts of Punjab, with families often losing large sums to unregistered agents who exploit the desire to settle or work abroad. Authorities have repeatedly advised the public to verify the credentials and registration status of any overseas travel or immigration agent before making payments, to independently confirm visa and employment documents through official channels, and to avoid handing over substantial amounts based only on verbal assurances.