KOCHI: The CBI Kochi unit on Monday arrested 17 registered recruiting agents based in Thiruvananthapuram for creating fake documents for obtaining emigration clearance. The CBI had earlier arrested former Protector of Emigrants P V Soorya Rao in connection with the cheating and forgery case.
The arrested are Jaisu Amrutham of Mangalam Travels, A L Rajeev of Alps International, Mashoob Rehman and Mohammed Rafi of Rispa Holidays and Travels, Salahudeen of Flyway Tours and Travels, Mohammed Jaleel of Stargate Travel Corporation, Muraleedharan of Viking Tours and Travels, Anil Kumar and Santhosh Kumar of Royal Asia Tours and Travels, Aboobacker and Mohammed Ashraff of Sungod Tours and Travels, Bancy Kumar of Pulari Air Travels, N Jayakumar of Krishna Tours and Travels, Sajid Ahmed of City Link Travel Corporation, M M Salim of Time Travels, Shaji M Mathew of Skyways Tours and Travels and Peer Mohammed of Altima Tours and Travels.
The arrested were produced before the CBI Special Court I and later released on bail. The investigation was conducted by Inspector C M Salim Sahib of CBI, Kochi.
The CBI registered the cheating and forgery case in June 2006 after getting information on a racket operating in connivance with the Protector of Emigrants office. The investigation team found that during the period from September 2005 to May 2006, huge amounts of money were transferred through this racket. A number of public servants were part of the racket.
According to officials, the racket was active in manipulating documents for emigration clearance for Gulf visas. The racket had successfully obtained emigration clearance for a number of visas without proper supporting documents like employment contract. It’s learnt that Soorya Rao used to get Rs 250 to Rs 1,000 for each visa. An amount between Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 was collected as bribe from visa owners.
In June 2006, the CBI had raided the Protector of Emigrants office and seized Rs 34,000 and some liquor bottles. Soorya Rao was arrested from Vizag in February 2007. Though there were only 4 accused in the beginning, later the number of accused became 25. An agent, Vivekanandan of Kiwi International and Ganesan, a peon with the POE office were later arrested. Five more accused are yet to be arrested in the case.
The chargesheet in the case will soon be submitted before the court.
The CBI has recommended departmental action against the officials involved in the racket. Action has also been recommended against R K Singh, former Protector General of Emigrants.