Man kidnaps son of marriage broker

THE WOMAN FAILED TO SPONSOR ACCUSED’S SPOUSE VISA FOR THE UK, EVEN AS HIS FAMILY HAD SPENT A HEFTY FEE ON PROCURING A STUDY VISA FOR HER, IT IS ALLEGED

SANGRUR: A Sangrur man has been booked for allegedly kidnapping the son of a middleman who had arranged his marriage three years ago.

Reason: The woman failed to sponsor his spouse visa for the UK, even as his family had spent a hefty fee on procuring a study visa for her.

The accused has been identified as Harwinder Singh, 26, of Bedrukhan village in Sangrur, while the victim was identified as Karanbir Singh of Kanjhla village in the district. Police were able to rescue the victim, but the suspect is absconding.

Trend of contractual marriages on the rise

Punjab is witnessing an increasing trend of contractual marriages, wherein men who fail to make the cut get married to and sponsor the study visa of women who are qualified to study abroad. In return, the women are expected to arrange spouse visa for the sponsor.

Palwinder Singh Cheema, superintendent of police (detective), said, that the victim’s father, Lakhwinder Singh, had acted as the middleman in Harwinder Singh’s marriage three years back.

Had spent ₹26 lakh on marriage, study visa

“Harwinder’s family had spent around ₹26 lakh on the marriage and procuring a study visa for the woman. She had sent the sponsorship letter to him twice, but his visa got rejected both times. Therefore, he was demanding his money back from the middleman and his in-laws,” said Cheema.

Accused demanded ransom from broker

On Wednesday night, when Karanbir was returning home from Sangrur, Harwinder allegedly kidnapped him and demanded ₹26 lakh from the middleman.

“The victim’s family lodged a complaint in the morning, and we immediately rescued the victim,” said the SP, adding that efforts are on to trace and arrest the suspect.