Ludhiana Youth Duped of ₹40 Lakh on Promise of US Trip, Spent 10 Months in Texas Camp

September 5, 2026

Ludhiana: A young man from Ludhiana was allegedly duped of Rs 40 lakh by an agent who promised to send him to the United States. According to the complaint, the man was taken through several countries, including Cambodia, Suriname, Guatemala and Mexico, before reaching the US, where he spent around 10 months in a camp in Texas.

The youth, identified as Gurdeep Singh, a resident of Sukhdev Nagar in Jamalpur, was eventually deported to India on June 25, 2025. Police have registered an FIR against the alleged agent and launched an investigation.

Maternal uncle introduced him to agent

According to Gurdeep’s complaint, he wanted to go abroad and discussed the matter with his maternal uncle, Santokh Singh, a resident of Kummarawan village in Kapurthala.

His uncle allegedly introduced him to Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Khassan village. Rakesh reportedly ran a clothing shop in Kummarawan and also worked as an agent helping people travel abroad.

Gurdeep told police that he visited Rakesh’s shop along with his father on August 15, 2023. Rakesh allegedly claimed that he had previously sent several people abroad and initially demanded Rs 44 lakh for sending Gurdeep to the US. The amount was later settled at Rs 40 lakh.

He allegedly took Rs 2 lakh initially, along with Gurdeep’s original passport and residential documents.

Journey took him through several countries

According to the complaint, Rakesh told Gurdeep that he would be sent to the US through Cambodia. Gurdeep left Delhi Airport on August 29, 2023, initially travelling to Mumbai. A ticket to Cambodia was later sent to him through WhatsApp.

After reaching Cambodia, Gurdeep alleged that Rakesh demanded another Rs 6 lakh, which was paid by his father and maternal uncle.

Gurdeep was subsequently taken through several countries by associates of the agent and eventually reached Dubai. He was allegedly asked to return to India from Dubai after Rakesh assured him that he would arrange a direct route to the US.

Gurdeep returned to India on January 6, 2024, after which Rakesh allegedly took his passport and documents again, promising to send him to the US.

When there was no progress, Gurdeep allegedly asked for his documents and the remaining money after deducting the actual expenses. According to his complaint, the agent did not return them.

Youth alleges further payments for US journey

Gurdeep alleged that Rakesh subsequently sent him to Suriname on May 13, 2024. His father allegedly paid Rs 13 lakh to Rakesh at the residence of Santokh Singh in Kummarawan.

Gurdeep reportedly provided police with video footage that allegedly shows Rakesh accepting the money.

From Suriname, Gurdeep was allegedly sent to Guatemala, where Rakesh demanded another Rs 15 lakh, according to the complaint. He later reached Mexico City and stayed there for around two months. During this period, the agent allegedly demanded another Rs 4 lakh, which his father paid.

Gurdeep eventually crossed into the US and reached a camp in Texas, where he stayed for around 10 months. He was later deported to India on June 25, 2025.

Agent allegedly failed to return money

After returning to India, Gurdeep repeatedly sought the return of his money, but alleged that Rakesh kept delaying repayment. According to the complaint, the money had still not been returned even a year after his deportation.

Police subsequently issued multiple notices directing Rakesh to join the investigation. Notices were reportedly sent on April 23, May 13, May 22, June 9 and June 22, 2026. Police also contacted him by phone, but he allegedly failed to appear for questioning.

Investigating Officer ASI Sahib Singh said an FIR has been registered against Rakesh Kumar at Jamalpur Police Station under Section 420 of the IPC. The matter remains under investigation.