Mohali: A Mohali woman who was trying to reach the United States to care for her ailing mother has alleged that she was cheated by a travel agent, who promised to send her abroad legally but instead routed her through an illegal immigration network. After paying ₹40 lakh, she was detained in the United States for nearly a year before being deported to India.
According to the complaint filed with Mohali Police, the victim, Mandeep Kaur, said her mother has been living in the United States since 2017. Following the sudden death of her brother in 2021, her mother’s health reportedly deteriorated, prompting Mandeep to seek ways to join her.
During this period, she came into contact with Pradeep Kumar, a resident of Eco Towers in Sunny Enclave, Kharar, who allegedly presented himself as an immigration consultant and assured her that he could arrange a legal and secure route to the US.
Police said the accused initially quoted ₹35 lakh for the process but later increased the amount to ₹45 lakh, citing visa-related formalities and documentation issues. In November 2024, Mandeep allegedly paid ₹40 lakh in cash as an advance, with the remaining ₹5 lakh to be paid after reaching the US.
Investigators said that instead of arranging a legal visa, the agent allegedly sent her from Delhi to Spain and then to Mexico. Mandeep claimed that she became suspicious after noticing unusual travel arrangements and questioned the agent, but was reassured that everything was proceeding as planned.
According to the complaint, she was eventually taken through forests and other dangerous routes and illegally pushed across the Mexico-US border by human smugglers. Upon entering the United States, she was immediately apprehended by the US Border Patrol for illegal entry.
The woman remained in US detention for nearly a year, during which she allegedly faced severe mental and physical hardship. She was later deported and returned to India.
After her return, Mandeep approached the police seeking action against the agent. Following an inquiry, Mohali SSP ordered legal proceedings on June 22, 2026.
Police have registered an FIR against Pradeep Kumar under charges of cheating and relevant provisions of the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act. Efforts are underway to arrest the accused and identify other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged illegal immigration network.
The investigation is ongoing.
