UDUPI: A major visa fraud case has come to light, with the complainant alleging that a Chandigarh-based company collected around Rs 63.91 lakh from him on the promise of securing overseas jobs for 22 people.In his complaint, Vasanth D Poojary stated that since he had previously lived abroad, some acquaintances approached him for help in obtaining visas. When he enquired with Jobi Arangassery Devassy, a resident of Surathkal, he was informed that visas could be arranged through Advice House Experts, Chandigarh–160017.On April 6, the complainant went to Chandigarh, where Jobi introduced him to Shagun H.R Global’s MD Vijay Inder Singh (alias Manveer), Raman, and Nirwair Singh. They showed him a copy of the company’s licence and explained their services.Later, after returning home, Poojary arranged visas through the company for two acquaintances, Suraj and Manish, to travel to Azerbaijan. On July 8 and 12 last year, he transferred a total of Rs 7 lakh via RTGS from his SBI account, approximately Rs 3.5 lakh per person.On Sept 22, the company issued job offers and flight tickets for Suraj and Manish but cancelled them shortly thereafter. Encouraged by their initial assurances, Poojary also arranged overseas jobs for 20 more acquaintances through the same company. In all, he claims to have paid Rs 56.91 lakh, including cash and bank transfers.In January this year, after repeated cancellations and delays, suspicions grew. Despite visiting Chandigarh 14–15 times, the complainant was only given verbal assurances. When he demanded repayment, the company issued two Kotak Mahindra Bank cheques of Rs 6 lakh each. However, when presented at Axis Bank, Padubidri, the cheques bounced as they were drawn on a closed account.The company allegedly promised to issue fresh cheques but failed to do so. A case has now been registered at the Kaup Police Station under Sections 316(2), 318(2), 318(4), read with Section 3(5) of the BNS.
