Phagwara, June 15 (Reporter) The Punjab police have registered a case against an Italy-based Non-Resident Indian (NRI), identified as Tersem Chand, for allegedly defrauding a villager in Kapurthala district under the pretext of facilitating immigration to Italy, an official said on Sunday The accused, originally from village Jagatpur-Jattan in Punjab, has come under the police radar following a formal complaint by Arun Kumar, a resident of village Kherra near Phagwara. Arun Kumar alleged that Tersem Chand had promised to arrange his settlement in Italy in exchange for a payment of Rs 16 Lakh. The amount was reportedly handed over in installments over a period of time. Kumar stated that the accused neither provided the necessary documents nor fulfilled any of the commitments made regarding travel or settlement abroad. The police have registered a case under Sections 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code, along with applicable provisions of the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act. These laws are intended to protect individuals from being exploited by unlicensed travel agents or fraudulent immigration consultants. SSP Gaurav Toora (IPS) confirmed that the complaint was found to be credible after preliminary inquiry, leading to the registration of the First Information Report (FIR). “We have initiated an investigation into the allegations. The complainant has submitted relevant evidence, and efforts are underway to trace the accused and ascertain the full scope of the fraud,” the official said. He said further legal action would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of other victims coming forward, as such cases involving unauthorised immigration agents have been on the rise in the region. Meanwhile, the SSP has urged residents to verify the credentials of travel agents and immigration consultants before making any financial commitments. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the police promptly. As of now, Tersem Chand remains at large...////...