Gujarat HC denies bail to accused in ₹7 cr Canada visa-PR fraud

Taking a stern view of an alleged large-scale immigration fraud, Gujarat High Court has rejected the bail applications of accused Vijay Harsindhiya and Kritika Sonvane in a case involving cheating of 60 people of ₹7.48 crore by luring them with promises of Canadian visas and permanent residency (PR).

Observing that such economic offences have a serious impact on society and adversely affect the future of citizens, the court held that the gravity of the offence did not warrant the grant of bail.

As per the prosecution, the accused allegedly collected lakhs of rupees from victims under the guise of a firm named Overseas Gateway. 

During the investigation, it emerged that fake LMIA approvals and endorsement letters were prepared in the names of reputed Canadian companies and submitted to the Canadian Embassy.

Due to the submission of forged documents, all 60 victims have reportedly been barred from travelling to Canada for a period of five years.

The investigation further revealed that a total amount of ₹7.48 crore was siphoned off.

The defence argued that the accused were merely employees of the firm and did not play any key role in the alleged scam.

However, opposing the bail plea, Public Prosecutor Jagat V Patel submitted that both accused had acted as directors of the company and played an active role in the criminal conspiracy.

The prosecution also pointed out that the investigation is at a crucial stage and several co-accused are still absconding.

Granting bail at this stage, it was argued, could lead to tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.

The court noted that incidents of cheating people by exploiting their aspirations to go abroad are on the rise. Considering the seriousness of the offence and the involvement of the accused, the court ruled that granting bail would not be justified and ordered that both accused remain in judicial custody.