How was a Bharuch couple cheated out of ₹23.25 lakh for a UK student visa? The scam unfolded over nearly two years, exploiting their trust and aspirations, ending in police complaints but no visa.
5 Key Facts About the Scam
- The victim is Peenalben Patel, a 35-year-old postgraduate from Vanakapor village, Bharuch district.
- Her husband, Piyushkumar Patel, a farmer, took a District Bank of Bharuch loan in her name to pay the scammers.
- The fraudsters included three persons from Vallabh Vidyanagar and one from Ahmedabad.
- The couple paid ₹22.90 lakh initially via RTGS and UPI, later ₹35,000 more for a work permit visa attempt.
- The scam spanned from November 2022 until July 2024, with repeated delays and excuses.
What Happened — Full Details
Peenalben and Piyushkumar frequently visited the Chehar Mata temple in Anand, where they met Tarulata Ben Barot. She claimed to offer legitimate UK student visa services. In November 2022, Peenalben expressed interest in studying in the UK. Tarulata quoted a total cost of about ₹25 lakh.
The couple traveled to Vallabh Vidyanagar and handed over original documents to Tarulata Ben. They transferred ₹22.90 lakh through RTGS and UPI payments. Subsequently, Tarulata alleged Peenalben’s degrees were invalid in the UK and pushed for a work permit visa instead, charging ₹35,000 extra. The total amount paid was ₹23.25 lakh.
Despite payments, the scammers repeatedly delayed the visa process, citing changing UK immigration rules. They later suggested applying for a visitor visa, which was impractical for study purposes. In July 2024, Peenalben attended a fingerprint appointment in Ahmedabad, but the visa never materialized.
Who Was Arrested / Accused
The accused include Tarulata Ben Barot and her accomplice Manasiben Buche from Vallabh Vidyanagar, along with two others from Ahmedabad. As of July 2024, Vidyanagar police registered the complaint and investigations are ongoing; no arrests have been reported yet.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Vidyanagar police filed an FIR under Indian Penal Code Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 114 (abetment), case number 2024/07. The police are gathering evidence including transaction records and witness statements. The case highlights the need for stricter regulation of foreign education consultants in Gujarat.
Background and Prior Incidents
This scam is not isolated. Similar frauds have been reported across Gujarat, including an elderly man scammed out of ₹5.91 lakhs in Ahmedabad and a woman robbed of gold necklace worth ₹1.35 lakh in Mehsana. These cases underline the vulnerability of residents to financial frauds.
Official Response and Community Impact
The Bharuch District Bank has issued advisories urging customers to verify loan purposes carefully. Local police in Vidyanagar have started awareness drives about vetting visa agents. Community leaders encourage prospective students to consult government-recognised agencies only.
What should readers do?
- Verify the credentials of visa agents through the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
- Report suspicious agents to Vidyanagar police station, phone number 02692-xxxxxx.
- Before making large payments, consult Gujarat State Legal Services Authority or District Consumer Forums.
- Access official visa application guidelines at https://www.gov.uk/student-visa.
Protect yourself from scams by staying informed and using only authorised channels.