Punjab Woman Arrested for Allegedly Duping Shimla Resident of ₹25 Lakh Visa Scam
Prime Vista News
A woman from Punjab’s Kharar has been arrested for allegedly cheating a Shimla resident of ₹25 lakh on the pretext of securing a Canadian visa, police said.
Accused allegedly took money promising a Canadian visa; investigation ongoing
A woman has been arrested from Kharar in Punjab’s Mohali district for allegedly cheating a Shimla resident of ₹25 lakh by falsely promising to secure a Canadian visa, police officials confirmed on Saturday. The arrest comes after weeks of investigation and coordinated efforts by the Shimla Police, who tracked the accused across multiple locations in Punjab.
The accused has been identified as Manju Kumari, who allegedly took a substantial sum of money from the victim under the pretext of arranging overseas immigration. The case highlights the growing number of visa-related frauds targeting aspirants seeking to travel abroad.
Complaint Filed by Victim’s Family
According to police officials, the case was registered following a complaint lodged by the brother of the victim, identified as Bhavna, a resident of Shimla. In the complaint, the family alleged that Manju Kumari approached them with assurances of securing a Canadian visa and gained their trust over time.
Believing the promises to be genuine, the family allegedly transferred ₹25 lakh to the accused in multiple instalments. The payments were reportedly made for visa processing, documentation, and other related expenses. However, despite repeated follow-ups, the promised visa never materialised.
When the family began demanding accountability and documentation, the accused allegedly stopped responding and became unreachable, prompting them to approach the police.
Police Launch Inter-State Search Operation
Following the registration of the case at a Shimla police station, law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation and formed special teams to track down the accused. Preliminary inquiries revealed that Manju Kumari had fled Himachal Pradesh and was moving between locations in Punjab to evade arrest.
Police officials stated that the accused frequently changed her residence and mobile phone SIM cards to avoid detection. This deliberate effort to conceal her whereabouts made the operation challenging and prolonged the search.
Multiple teams were dispatched to Punjab after investigators received technical and human intelligence inputs indicating her presence in the Mohali region.
Arrest Made in Kharar
After sustained surveillance and verification, the police located Manju Kumari at a flat in Kharar, where she was arrested on February 22. Officials said the arrest was carried out without resistance, following which the accused was taken into custody and brought back to Shimla for further questioning.
Police confirmed that necessary legal procedures were followed during the arrest and transit. The accused was later produced before a local court in Shimla.
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Investigation Ongoing, More Victims Possible
Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed the arrest and said that a detailed investigation is currently underway. He stated that police are examining financial records, bank transactions, and communication data to establish the full scope of the alleged fraud.
Investigators are also probing whether the accused acted alone or was part of a larger network involved in visa-related scams. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of more victims, as similar complaints have surfaced in other regions involving comparable methods of deception.
Police are expected to question the accused further to determine how the money was utilised and whether any accomplices assisted her in executing or concealing the fraud.
Rising Visa Fraud Cases Raise Concern
This case adds to a growing list of visa and immigration frauds reported across northern India, particularly involving promises of overseas employment or permanent residency. Authorities have repeatedly warned citizens to verify credentials and avoid making large financial transactions without proper documentation and authorized contracts.
Law enforcement agencies have urged the public to deal only with registered and licensed immigration professionals and to report suspicious activities at the earliest to prevent financial and emotional distress.
Police Advisory to Public
Police officials have reiterated that individuals seeking foreign visas should exercise caution and verify claims independently. They have advised against relying solely on verbal assurances and encouraged citizens to cross-check agencies, demand written agreements, and confirm licensing details before transferring funds.
Further developments in the case are expected as the investigation progresses.
