The EditorKaithal, March 22 – In a case involving the fraudulent promise of sending a youth to the United States, where he was later held hostage and extorted for millions, the Economic Cell team, led by ASI Mahendra Singh, arrested the second accused, Navneet Singh alias Michael, a resident of Hasanpur, Kurukshetra. The arrest was made under the directives of SP Rajesh Kalia.
According to the police spokesperson, the case was based on a complaint filed by Kuldeep, a resident of Mohana village. He stated that in June 2024, he met Navjot Singh from Dusain, who introduced himself as a registered travel agent and assured him of a direct and legal route to the U.S. Navjot convinced him to send his son, Yuvraj, abroad, finalizing the deal for ₹41 lakh, to be paid only after Yuvraj’s arrival in the U.S.
Yuvraj was sent from India on October 13, 2024. However, by October 17, the accused began demanding ₹16 lakh, which Kuldeep paid. On December 19, Kuldeep received a WhatsApp message stating that his son had been kidnapped in Guatemala. A video of Yuvraj being beaten was also sent, along with a ransom demand of $20,000. When Kuldeep contacted the agents, they claimed that other smugglers had abducted his son and insisted that the ransom must be paid. Out of fear, Kuldeep paid ₹8 lakh to the accused.
A case was registered at Pundri Police Station, and it was revealed that the arrested accused, Navneet, was involved in the crime along with previously arrested Navjot Singh alias Jodha. Navneet had facilitated Yuvraj’s travel from Guyana to the U.S.
On Saturday, the accused was presented before the court, which granted a 5-day police remand for further investigation.
