Ahmedabad: A Paldi resident has filed a police complaint against an immigration consultancy firm for allegedly defrauding her family of over Rs 10 lakh. The firm had promised to secure a UK student visa for her son, but after failing to deliver, it did not refund the money as promised.
Details of the Complaint
According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged with Satellite police station on Friday, the 50-year-old complainant stated that her 23-year-old son wished to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom. In 2024, the family began searching for visa consultancy services and attended a seminar on immigration services at the firm’s office near Shyamal crossroads.
The family later visited the consultancy’s office in January 2025. There, an employee allegedly assured them of admission to a university in Birmingham. The employee reportedly guided the student for nearly six months, covering overseas education procedures and interview preparation.
Financial Transaction and Failed Interview
The complainant alleged that the consultancy collected her son’s academic documents and later instructed the family to transfer Rs 10.07 lakh for admission and visa-related expenses. Trusting these assurances, she transferred the amount through RTGS to a bank account provided by the accused. The student subsequently appeared for an online interview from home, which was allegedly arranged through the consultancy. However, the family was later informed that he had failed the interview and that the deposited amount would be refunded within 90 days.
Refund Not Honored
When repeated attempts to recover the money failed, the family grew suspicious. The complainant told police that the employee handling the case had left the firm and his phone was switched off. The Satellite police have registered a case of cheating and criminal breach of trust and have launched an investigation.
