Punjab News: Bhagwant Mann Govt Cracks Down on Illegal Migration: SIT Formed, FIRs Lodged Against Travel Agents

 In a major crackdown on human trafficking and illegal migration, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has taken swift action following the deportation of 104 Indians from the United States. The Punjab Police has formed a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the role of fraudulent travel agents involved in illegal migration.

FIRs Lodged Against Travel Agents in Karnal and Amritsar

Two days after the deportation incident, the Karnal police registered three FIRs, while the Amritsar police lodged one FIR against individuals accused of duping people with false promises of legal migration to the US.

In Amritsar, an FIR was filed against travel agent Satnam Singh, who allegedly charged Rs 60 lakh from deportee Daler Singh of Salempura village under the pretext of arranging a valid visa. However, Daler was forced to take the dangerous "dunki" route through Panama and Mexico. He was later detained by the US Border Patrol on January 15. The case has been registered under Sections 318(4) of cheating and 13 of the Punjab Travel Professionals (Regulation) Act.

Karnal Police Book Multiple Agents

In Karnal, three separate FIRs were filed against multiple agents:

Madhuban police station: A Jalandhar-based agent was booked under IPC Sections 406, 420, and Section 24 of the Immigration Act. Complainant Shubham from Kalron village alleged that his family was cheated of several lakhs while trying to send his brother Aakash to the US.

Assandh police station: Two Karnal-based agents were booked under Sections 316(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on the complaint of Sumit Singh from Bassi village.

An unidentified FIR: Four travel agents were booked in Karnal, but their identities have not yet been revealed.

SIT to Investigate Human Trafficking Networks

The Punjab Police SIT, led by ADGP NRI Parveen Sinha, will conduct an in-depth investigation into illegal migration and ensure strict legal action against those involved in human trafficking. The SIT has been empowered to coordinate with other police units and take necessary action against fraudulent travel agents exploiting innocent people.

The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has vowed to eliminate illegal migration networks and has warned strict punishment for those involved in human trafficking.