Kapurthala man duped of Rs 12.25 lakh by travel agent

Kapurthala: A man from Kapurthala was allegedly defrauded of Rs 12.25 lakh by a travel agent who promised to send him to Portugal, police said on Saturday.

The victim claimed that the agent first called him to Jalandhar, held him hostage, and forced him into substance abuse for about six months. He also alleged that the agent threatened his family to ensure his departure to Portugal.

Following an investigation based on the victim’s complaint, Fattudhinga police registered a case against the accused travel agent, who remains at large.

DSP Sultanpur Lodhi Gurmeet Singh said that while the fraud charges have been established, other allegations are yet to be proven.