Dream of a happier life entices many Indians to go to extraordinary lengths to secure a visa to a foreign land. In one such sad tale of greed and ignorance, a resident of Meghaninagar in Ahmedabad has lost his life’s savings up to rs. 40 lakhs chasing the dream to settle his son in Canada.
Bhagvati Prasad Joshi (61), a clerk retired from Gyanjyot Vidyavihar High School in Ghatlodia, Ahmedabad has filed a complaint of breach of trust, cheating and criminal conspiracy against travel agents Ghanshyam Patel and Sushil Shinde
Bhagvatiprasad came into contact with the two persons named in the FIR at Udan Holidays in the Gurukul area of Ahmedabad in 2019. The duo promised to fulfil the desire of Bhagvatiprasad who wished to settle his son Harshit, his daughter-in-law Drashti and the couple’s daughter Jiyanshi in Canada.
The complaint paid Rs. 4 lakhs initially to obtain a Canadian work permit and visa for his son and daughter-in-law. However, even after a lapse of considerable time, nothing happened. Meanwhile, Covid struck and the whole process of immigration was halted.
Meanwhile, The travel agents were successful in convincing the complainant to invest in a business proposal of partnership in a food chain store in Canada. Bhagvatiprasad, a friend of his son and two other relatives invested around Rs. 35 lacs in the promised venture.
The whole scam was ripped apart when the son and daughter-in-law of the complainant presented themselves at the Visa centre in 2021 for the process. The visa officers revealed that their documents were forged and asked why a criminal complaint should not be initiated against them.
Back in the town, the victims approached the travel agents but were not provided satisfactory answers. Hence the duped persons decided to file the complaint.
