Several social service organisations staged a protest against the Chandigarh Police in Sector 9, addressing the issue of fraudulent travel agents operating within the city. Alleging collusion between these fake visa offices and law enforcement, groups such as Punjab Agenda Forum, Punjab Against Corruption, BKU Bhupinder Mann Group, BKU Krantikari, and Vigilant Citizen Group expressed their concerns. The Employee Front also participated in the demonstration.
During the protest, the organisations submitted a memorandum outlining six key demands to DSP Palak Goyal, focusing on the illegal visa centres operating in Chandigarh.
President of Punjab Against Corruption, Satnam Dao, accused the Chandigarh Police of not taking sufficient action against the rising cases of fraud related to sending money abroad, particularly affecting unemployed youths in the Tricity area.
Dao claimed that in many instances, the police refrain from taking appropriate action, choosing to settle with fraudulent travel agents instead of pursuing legal consequences. The organisations specifically pointed to Sectors 17, 34, 42, and 43 in Chandigarh as hubs for unscrupulous agents operating without permission from the District Deputy Commissioner.
The protestors asserted that a network of collaboration exists between these fake agents and the police at the grassroots level, hindering justice for fraud victims and preventing protests outside the offices of such agents.
Satnam Daun demanded thorough investigation and action on all complaints against fake travel agents in Chandigarh. Additionally, he urged that the names of agents colluding with the police be disclosed to the public, aiming to prevent further individuals from falling victim to their scams.
- Punjab Agenda Forum, Punjab Against Corruption, BKU Bhupinder Mann Group, BKU Krantikari, Vigilant Citizen Group, and Employee Front.
- Six key demands presented to DSP Palak Goyal, focusing on illegal visa centres.
- Allegations of inadequate action against fraud cases related to sending money abroad, particularly affecting unemployed youths.
- Specific Areas Highlighted: Sectors 17, 34, 42, and 43 in Chandigarh identified as hubs for unscrupulous agents operating without permission.
- Allegations of collaboration between fake agents and police at the grassroots level, hindering justice for fraud victims.
- Demands for thorough investigation and action on all complaints against fake travel agents in Chandigarh.
- Urgency for disclosing names of agents colluding with the police to prevent further individuals from falling victim to scams.