Surat Pilgrim Files Police Complaint After Being Duped and Abandoned at China Border
A 42-year-old man from Surat has lodged a formal complaint with the Udhna police, alleging that a tour operator defrauded him of ₹2.25 lakh and abandoned him at the China border during a planned Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. The incident, which has raised serious concerns about pilgrimage tour operations, centers on claims of visa issues being used as a pretext for the abandonment.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The complainant, identified as Ashish Sadakwala, who works for a private company, stated that he was referred to tour operator Samir Deshmukh by his friend Vivek Chaudhary. Deshmukh reportedly informed him about a group tour consisting of 61 pilgrims scheduled for August 2025, quoting a fee of ₹2.25 lakh per person for the sacred journey to Kailash Mansarovar.
Initial Payments and Assurances
Sadakwala initially paid an advance of ₹25,000 and later transferred the remaining ₹2 lakh in July. In February, Deshmukh and his associate, Ashwin Negi, visited Surat to collect necessary documents and assured Sadakwala that the visa process was actively underway, fostering a sense of trust and anticipation for the pilgrimage.
The Journey and Abandonment
On August 2, Sadakwala flew to Delhi and subsequently traveled to Kathmandu along with other pilgrims. After a three-day stay in Kathmandu, the group was transported to the China border, where they halted for a night. The following day, Negi allegedly informed four pilgrims, including Sadakwala, that their visas had been cancelled and they would not be permitted to proceed further into China.
When questioned, no clear or satisfactory reason was provided for the visa cancellations. Negi reportedly assured the stranded pilgrims that their money would be refunded within 15 days but then departed with the remaining group, leaving Sadakwala and the three others to fend for themselves.
Struggle to Return and Seek Justice
Forced to make their own arrangements, Sadakwala and the other abandoned pilgrims managed to return home independently. Despite repeated attempts to contact the accused tour operators, Sadakwala alleges that they have failed to refund the amount, leading to financial loss and emotional distress.
The Udhna police are now investigating the complaint, which highlights vulnerabilities in pilgrimage tour services and the need for stricter regulations to protect devotees. This case serves as a cautionary tale for individuals planning religious journeys, emphasizing the importance of verifying tour operators' credentials and ensuring transparent documentation processes.
