Romanian national held for fake visa, alleged accomplice in Prayagraj at large
A Romanian national was detained at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport here for allegedly attempting to travel on a forged Indian visa, police said on Monday. Investigators have also identified an Indian accomplice, currently absconding, who allegedly assisted in procuring the fake visa.The accused, Dragomir Mihai-Gabriel, a resident of Bucharest, Romania, was apprehended at immigration counter number 1 around 9 pm on 27 May. He was scheduled to board flight 6E-1431, which was set to depart at 10:40 pm.The complaint, filed by Hansrajkumar Rameshbhai Jaate-Kharadi, a 43-year-old businessman from Modasa, alleges that Mihai-Gabriel was in possession of a forged Indian visa. The visa, originally valid for 90 days, had been fraudulently extended to 180 days with the help of Manoj Joshi, a resident of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Investigators said that Mihai-Gabriel also presented a fake exit permit, purportedly issued in New Delhi, which extended the departure deadline from 19 May to 29 May 2025.Police have registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 2023. Mihai-Gabriel has been detained at the SOG office, while efforts are underway to trace Manoj Joshi, who remains absconding.A police official said that both the Romanian national and the Indian accomplice appear to have conspired to commit immigration fraud and avoid detection. “We are investigating the broader network involved in this crime and will take strict action against anyone found guilty,” said Police Inspector A.D. Gamit of the SOG Crime Branch, who is heading the investigation.Further inquiries are in progress.
A Romanian national was detained at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport here for allegedly attempting to travel on a forged Indian visa, police said on Monday. Investigators have also identified an Indian accomplice, currently absconding, who allegedly assisted in procuring the fake visa.
The accused, Dragomir Mihai-Gabriel, a resident of Bucharest, Romania, was apprehended at immigration counter number 1 around 9 pm on 27 May. He was scheduled to board flight 6E-1431, which was set to depart at 10:40 pm.
The complaint, filed by Hansrajkumar Rameshbhai Jaate-Kharadi, a 43-year-old businessman from Modasa, alleges that Mihai-Gabriel was in possession of a forged Indian visa. The visa, originally valid for 90 days, had been fraudulently extended to 180 days with the help of Manoj Joshi, a resident of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Investigators said that Mihai-Gabriel also presented a fake exit permit, purportedly issued in New Delhi, which extended the departure deadline from 19 May to 29 May 2025.
Police have registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 2023. Mihai-Gabriel has been detained at the SOG office, while efforts are underway to trace Manoj Joshi, who remains absconding.
A police official said that both the Romanian national and the Indian accomplice appear to have conspired to commit immigration fraud and avoid detection. “We are investigating the broader network involved in this crime and will take strict action against anyone found guilty,” said Police Inspector A.D. Gamit of the SOG Crime Branch, who is heading the investigation.
Further inquiries are in progress.
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