Udupi: At least 22 residents of Udupi district have accused a Chandigarh-based overseas job recruiting firm of cheating them of nearly ₹63.91 lakh by promising lucrative jobs in Azerbaijan. A case has been registered at the Kaup police station.
Complaint details
The complaint was filed by Vasanth D. Poojary (53), a resident of Kaup, who previously worked abroad and had contacts seeking overseas opportunities. Poojary stated that he was introduced to the Chandigarh-based firm Advice House Experts through one Jobi Arangassery Devassy of Surathkal.
According to him, Jobi took him to Chandigarh on April 6, 2024, where he met Shagun (HR global consultant), Vijay Inder Singh alias Manveer (managing director), Raman, and Nirwair Singh. The group allegedly showed official documents and assured him they could arrange work visas for Azerbaijan.
Money transfers and assurances
Initially, Poojary arranged visas for two acquaintances, Suraj and Manish, and transferred ₹7 lakh (₹3.5 lakh each) between July 8 and July 12, 2024, via RTGS to the company’s account. Although offer letters and tickets dated September 22, 2024, were issued, they were later cancelled without explanation.
Encouraged by the early promises, Poojary recommended 20 more acquaintances, collectively paying ₹56,91,824 through cash and bank transfers. Despite repeated assurances, none of the visas materialised.
Failed refunds
Poojary alleged that he made at least 15 trips to Chandigarh to follow up with the firm. Each time, the officials promised to send the candidates abroad soon. When pressed for refunds, the company’s managing director issued two cheques of ₹6 lakh each, dated July 10 and July 30, 2025. However, both cheques bounced as the account had already been closed.
The complainant accused the firm of cheating him and his 22 acquaintances of a total of ₹63,91,824 by neither arranging the promised jobs nor returning the money.
Police action
Based on the complaint, Kaup Police have registered a case under sections 316(2), 318(2), 318(4) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). An investigation is underway.