Agent Involved in Visa Scam: Rs 20 Lakh Charged Per Youth for Fake Student Exchange Program

Visa Fraud Scandal: Haryana Professor's Arrest Raises Questions About Educational Integrity

In a shocking turn of events, a professor from a private university in Haryana was arrested at Mumbai International Airport on 10 March for allegedly providing false information to obtain visas for seven youths from Punjab and Haryana. The professor had claimed he was taking the youths to the UK for a student exchange program, but the authorities suspected it was a case of human trafficking. The seven youths, including three minors, were initially detained but were later released by the court. This incident raises serious concerns about the integrity  of educational institutions and the lengths some individuals may go to exploit the system. A police officer mentioned that they are still verifying the professor’s association with the Haryana-based university, despite the professor presenting his identity card, the authenticity of which is yet to be confirmed. An FIR was filed by Sahar police, but the case has since been transferred to the property cell for further investigation.

Two of the youths approached the immigration counter at Mumbai airport, where they presented their passports and visas for routine verification. They held UK visit visas and asserted that they were students of a Haryana-based university, travelling with their professor for a student exchange program. However, when questioned about the course they were pursuing and the university they were supposed to attend in London, the youths were unable to provide satisfactory responses. Subsequently, the immigration officer informed his superiors, who later identified five additional youths at other counters, all travelling to London with the same professor.

When questioned, the "professor" claimed he was following the instructions of two colleagues who were heads of vocational departments at the Haryana university. He also disclosed meeting an agent named Bittu in a Delhi hotel, where they discussed arrangements with the seven youths who wanted to settle in the UK. The police reported that Bittu charged each youth Rs 20 lakh and allegedly secured their visas by providing false details about a student exchange program. The "professor" then brought the youths from Delhi to Mumbai, where they were set to fly to London via Jeddah. Authorities confirmed that the parents of the minors have been informed. This incident underscores the importance of verifying credentials and following proper legal procedures in international travel and student exchange programs.

Editor's Note

A recent incident has exposed significant risks of exploitation within both the education and immigration systems, where individuals have taken advantage of these frameworks for personal gain, jeopardizing the futures of vulnerable youths. A professor from a private university in Haryana was arrested at Mumbai International Airport for allegedly submitting false information to secure visas for seven youths from Punjab and Haryana. This case raises serious concerns regarding the integrity of educational institutions and immigration procedures, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced oversight and accountability. The involvement of an agent who charged exorbitant fees and used fraudulent information to obtain visas further underscores the severity of the situation. This incident emphasizes the crucial role that immigration authorities play in preventing such exploitation. Vigilance and thorough scrutiny are essential to safeguarding against future breaches. As investigations continue, it is imperative to reaffirm our commitment to transparency and honesty across all sectors. While the actions of a few should not overshadow the reputation of educational institutions, they serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Skoobuzzz believes that this incident is a wake-up-call , we must work collaboratively to ensure that such breaches of trust are not repeated and that the future of our youth is properly safeguarded.