There has been a huge rise in the number of Indians wishing to go abroad in the present times. Globalization, higher education opportunities, better employment prospects, and the aspiration for a prosperous life have fuelled the desire to go abroad. However, this desire sometimes turns into tragedy due to fraud and unscrupulous agents. Recently, a very sad incident came to light in Mehsana district of Gujarat, where a man lost his life after falling prey to visa fraud.
Details of the incident
AnilbhaiVanand of Mehsana district, who ran a hair cutting shop to earn his livelihood, was keen to go to the US. He approached an agent named Mohan alias Kalpesh Patel for a US student visa for his nephew. Kalpesh Patel ran a visa agency called “Som Nya Overseas”. He promised Anilbhai that he would get him or his nephew a US visa, and demanded lakhs of rupees for this. Anilbhai, who was worried about his nephew and family’s future, borrowed this amount and gave it to Kalpesh Patel.
The fraud and consequences
After receiving the money, Kalpesh Patel gradually stopped contacting Anilbhai. Whenever Anilbhai asked for the money back, he was threatened with death. This situation made Anilbhai extremely stressed. He had also borrowed money for other people so that they could contact the agent for their visas. But when nothing worked and he realized that he had been cheated, the burden of financial pressure and social embarrassment increased on him. In this anxiety and stress, Anilbhai committed suicide by jumping into the Narmada Canal.
The empire of pigeon-fighting
There are many fake agents active in India who promise to get visas to go abroad. These agents target people who hope for a better life abroad but do not have the necessary knowledge or resources to obtain a visa. Such agents first show their victims rosy picture, lure them into the glamour of foreign life, and then extort huge sums of money from them.
This problem is not limited to Gujarat or India alone, but such frauds are reported in many countries around the world. When people plan to go abroad, they often fall into the trap of agents who lure them with fake documents, fake visas, and promises of sending them abroad illegally.
Government’s responsibility and steps
The government’s responsibility is of utmost importance to prevent such incidents. The government should take strict measures against agents who cheat people and try to send them abroad illegally. Some major steps can be taken for this:
- Agents’ verification process: All visa agents should be registered through a strict verification process. It should be ensured that they are legally eligible to provide visa services.
- Education and awareness campaign: People should be made aware about the visa process and possible frauds. Extensive education and awareness campaigns can be conducted in this direction so that people can take appropriate steps for their safety.
- Legal action: Strict legal action should be taken against agents who are found to be involved in fraud. Apart from this, they should be given jail sentence and heavy fine so that other agents stay away from such activities.
- Contact center and assistance: A contact center or helpline can be established for people who wish to go abroad, where they can contact with their problems and doubts and get help.
International impact of foreign visa fraud
Such frauds are reported not only in India but also in other countries. Visa fraud cases are not limited to just financial loss, but it is also sometimes associated with serious problems like human trafficking. Many times people reach abroad illegally and there they are pushed into immoral activities. This is a global problem, and it needs to be addressed at the international level.
Anilbhai’s case: One example, many stories
The case of AnilbhaiVanand is one of the stories of many people who fall prey to fraud in order to fulfill their and their family’s dream of going abroad. The number of such cases is increasing day by day, and if timely steps are not taken, this problem can take an even more serious form.
Anilbhai’s suicide has not only left his family in deep shock, but it is also a collective warning. People should learn from this incident and exercise honesty and caution in the visa process.
Conclusion
In today’s time, the dream of going abroad has become an integral part of the lives of many people. In search of a better life, higher education and advanced career, people think of going abroad. But, to realize this dream, they fall into the trap of fraudulent agents, who ruin their lives. The case of AnilbhaiVanand is one such painful example.
We should learn from this incident that vigilance and caution are extremely necessary in the process of going abroad. Apart from this, the government should also take strict measures in this direction so that such incidents do not recur. People should also increase their awareness and check the background of any visa agent thoroughly before approaching him.
It is important to dream, but choosing the right path to make those dreams come true is even more important. Only by being cautious of fraud and dishonest agents can we secure the future of ourselves and our family.
