Punjab Police raided 1274 immigration firms across the state; 24 FIR registered, 7 arrested

According to the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police is committed to protect the youth from illegal travel agents

Chandigarh, February 25:

As per the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to save the youth who want to go abroad from falling into the trap of illegal travel agents, the Punjab Police conducted raids and search operations at 1274 immigration firms across the state.

This operation against illegal travel agents was conducted simultaneously in all 28 police districts of the state from 11 am to late evening on Monday as directed by Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav. This action was taken as part of the ongoing statewide campaign against the backdrop of deportation of Indian citizens from America.

Giving information in this regard, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-wide operation, said that police teams have registered at least 24 FIRs against defaulting travel agents and out of them seven travel agents have been arrested.

He informed that all CP/SSPs were directed to form special police teams under the supervision of gazetted officers to investigate all immigration and travel agent firms located under their jurisdiction.

The Special DGP said that all CPs/SSPs were directed to take strict action against travel agents who were violating the mandatory provisions and procedures of the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2012 or who cheated the gullible people with false promises of facilitating illegal entry abroad.

Under the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2012, all travel agents are required to obtain a license from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, which is valid for five years and can be renewed for another five years.

Licensed agents are required to prominently display their license, keep records of clients and services, and notify authorities before conducting advertising or seminars.

In addition, agents are prohibited from engaging in illegal activities such as human trafficking or facilitating illegal immigration outside of their licensed services.

Failure to comply with these rules may result in license suspension or cancellation and legal action.

Special DGP Arpit Shukla said that a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted by DGP Punjab under the leadership of ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha, which is investigating the complaints of deported persons, so that legal action can be taken against illegal travel agents.

He advised citizens to be vigilant and verify their certificates before handing over documents and money to travel agents. Also, he advised the citizens to contact only those agencies that have a valid license issued by the Deputy Commissioner under the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2012.