Police in Hisar district have made a significant arrest in a high-value immigration fraud case, nabbing a man accused of swindling a substantial sum of money from a youth on the false pretext of securing an Italy visa for his son.
The Deception and The Complaint
According to the authorities, the case came to light when Satyawan, a resident of Sarasaud village, filed a formal complaint at the Barwala police station on July 17. In his First Information Report (FIR), Satyawan detailed how the accused, identified as Sanoop, had taken a total of Rs 10.20 lakh from him in multiple instalments.
The money was handed over after Sanoop assured Satyawan that he would successfully arrange a visa for his son, Ajay, to travel to Italy for work. To strengthen his case, the complainant also provided the police with a crucial piece of evidence—a voice recording. In this audio clip, the accused is allegedly heard first demanding Rs 12 lakh for the job and later negotiating the amount down to Rs 10 lakh.
The Investigation and Escape to Dubai
Investigating Officer ASI Upender Singh stated that a thorough probe was launched following the registration of the FIR. The police investigation quickly revealed that Sanoop had neither arranged the promised visa nor returned the hefty sum of money to the victim. After allegedly committing the fraud, the accused fled the country, escaping to Dubai.
This international escape prompted the Barwala police to take decisive action. They issued a formal lookout notice against Sanoop to prevent him from re-entering India undetected and to aid in his eventual capture.
The Arrest at Indore Airport and Recovery
The police's vigilance paid off recently when immigration officials at Indore airport detained Sanoop upon his arrival from Dubai. The officials immediately informed the Barwala police team, who then took the accused into their custody.
During the arrest, the police also managed to recover the mobile phone that was allegedly used in the commission of the crime. Following intensive interrogation, Sanoop was formally produced before a local court. The court has since remanded him to judicial custody as the legal proceedings continue.
This case highlights the risks associated with unauthorized agents promising overseas employment and visas, urging citizens to only use official and verified channels for immigration processes.
