Police in Kolkata’s Newtown have uncovered a visa fraud racket accused of detaining Bangladeshi nationals and extorting money on the promise of arranging foreign visas.
Officers of Newtown Technocity Police Station arrested two suspects identified as Humayun Kabir, a resident of Mahmudpur in Netrakona, and Achintya Kumar Pal of Krishnaganj in Nadia district, West Bengal.
According to police sources, two Bangladeshi nationals, Rajib Laskar and Junaid Miah, had entered India on valid visas with plans to travel onward to Turkey.
Through contacts, Humayun allegedly introduced them to a local broker, Achintya Pal.
Despite paying an agreed amount, the victims were reportedly asked to pay an additional Rs 3 lakh.
When they failed to provide the extra money, they were allegedly detained.
Preliminary investigation suggests the group targeted Bangladeshi citizens who had entered India on medical or other short-term visas, particularly those whose visas had expired.
The accused allegedly kept victims’ passports, promising to renew visas or arrange travel to third countries, and threatened them with imprisonment if they refused to pay.
A case has been filed under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code. The two accused were produced before a court in Barasat, North 24 Parganas, on Tuesday (February 17), where police sought a 10-day remand for further interrogation.
Investigators said efforts are underway to identify other members of the network and determine how long the racket has been operating. The rescued Bangladeshi nationals are also expected to be questioned for further details.