Mangaluru: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Mangaluru City Police has apprehended two additional suspects from Maharashtra linked to a major visa scam. The racket revolves around Hireglow Elegant Overseas International (OPC) Pvt. Ltd., which allegedly duped nearly 289 individuals seeking jobs abroad.
Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy identified the newly arrested as 45-year-old Dil Shaad Abdul Sathar Khan from Navi Mumbai and 34-year-old Sahukari Kishore Kumar alias Anil Patel from Dombivli, Thane district. Previously, another accused, Masiulla Atiulla Khan (36), a Mumbai native, had also been taken into custody.
The accused had set up an office in Bendoorwell, Mangaluru, under the company name, promising employment opportunities in foreign nations. They reportedly collected around ₹4.5 crore from hopeful candidates but failed to deliver job visas, as promised.
A case has been filed under Sections 316(2), 318(4), and read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Dil Shaad Khan and Anil Patel have been remanded to police custody for deeper inquiry, while Masiulla remains in judicial detention.
Lawrence D’Souza, President of the Labourers’ Cell of the Dakshina Kannada District Congress, earlier demanded a detailed investigation, stating that victims hailed from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and other parts of southern India. Victims reportedly paid between ₹1.85 lakh to ₹5 lakh for job placements in destinations like New Zealand, Azerbaijan, and Singapore.
Following credible leads on unauthorized job interviews, Avaneesh Shukla, Protector of Emigrants (POE) for Karnataka and Goa, visited Mangaluru. Subsequently, two police officers were suspended for negligence in acting against the fraudulent firm.