Anand Visa Racket Investigation: 29 Victims, Over 1 Crore Allegedly Cheated

The Anand visa racket is currently under investigation, with authorities looking into allegations of fraud involving a significant number of victims and a large sum of money. The case began when a group of applicants reported suspicious dealings with a consultancy, leading to arrests and a widening scope of the inquiry. Police are meticulously examining financial records, documents, and applicant testimonies to understand the full extent of the alleged scheme.

Investigation Details

Anand Town police are actively investigating a visa racket that has reportedly affected 29 individuals and involves alleged cheating totaling Rs 1,06,26,960. The investigation gained momentum on September 10, 2026, when 19 applicants initially came forward to report their concerns. During subsequent questioning of arrested individuals, police identified an additional 10 victims, expanding the scope of the case. Anand Deputy Superintendent of Police J N Panchal stated that the serious nature of the offense prompted the arrest of a husband and wife for interrogation, which subsequently revealed more victims.

Arrests and Fugitive Accused

Police arrested Ankitaben Hardik Shah on September 11, 2026, and her husband, Hardik Hasmukhbhai Shah, on September 12, 2026. These arrests are linked to the operations of Krishna Overseas Consultancy. A third individual, Nandkumar Damubhai Ukani, is currently considered absconding and is being sought by the authorities. The investigation is ongoing, with police working to gather more information and apprehend all involved parties.

Alleged Scheme and Destinations

The alleged operation, conducted through Krishna Overseas Consultancy located in Anand, Gujarat, reportedly used social media advertisements to promote overseas job opportunities and work-permit visas. The advertised destinations included Serbia, Armenia, Croatia, and Dubai. Applicants are said to have paid visa and processing fees, with some allegedly receiving fake e-visas in return. The initial suspected cheating amount was reported as Rs 78.80 lakh, but this figure later rose to Rs 1,06,26,960 as more complaints were added to the investigation. These figures represent allegations under review, not confirmed findings.

Evidence Collection and Financial Tracing

Investigators have searched the residence of the arrested couple and the consultancy office, seizing documents and other evidence pertinent to the inquiry. A key part of the investigation involves tracing the flow of funds through bank transactions to understand how the money was collected and utilized. This multi-faceted approach allows investigators to compare applicant statements, consultancy records, visa documents, and financial records. The alleged e-visas are not being treated as proof of valid immigration permission, as the case focuses on alleged visa fraud and job placement scams.

Expanding Scope of the Complaint

The initial complaint filed by the first group of applicants brought the allegations to the attention of Anand Town police. The subsequent interrogation of the arrested couple led to the identification of more victims and an increase in the suspected financial loss. The table below illustrates the growth of the investigation:

Investigation Stage	Applicants or Alleged Victims
Applicants who approached police on September 10, 2026	19
Additional alleged victims identified during questioning	10
Total alleged victims cited in the investigation	29

The suspected loss also increased from Rs 78.80 lakh to Rs 1,06,26,960 as the investigation progressed.

Ongoing Review and Next Steps

As of September 14, 2026, police are continuing to examine the evidence. The next stages of the investigation will be guided by the records recovered, the financial trail, and the accounts provided by the applicants. The department’s review of bank transactions is expected to clarify the movement of funds, while seized documents may help determine if the alleged e-visas had any connection to legitimate application processes. The inquiry encompasses the advertising methods, the promised job placements, the visa documents, and the payment records.

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