Satellite police register FIR against consultant who allegedly promised work permits for three family members within six months but failed to arrange the visas.

A 50-year-old woman from Bilimora has accused an Ahmedabad-based immigration consultant of cheating her family of ₹16.8 lakh by allegedly promising to arrange Canadian work visas for her, her husband and their son.

The complainant, Rajeshree Panchal, approached Satellite police on October 9, alleging that Deepak Vinodbhai Upadhyay, who operated Bright Way Immigration Service from an office at Shilp Zaveri on Shyamal Cross Road in Satellite, took money from the family but failed to fulfil his promises.

Family Approached Consultant After Seeing Instagram Advertisement

According to the complaint, the family came across an Instagram advertisement in 2024 claiming that the firm could arrange work permits within six months. Rajeshree and her husband, Rajeshkumar Panchal, subsequently visited the consultant’s office to enquire about Canadian visas for themselves and their son.

Upadhyay allegedly quoted ₹23 lakh for processing work visas for all three family members and assured them that they could move to Canada within six months. He also reportedly promised to refund the money if the process was unsuccessful and said offer letters would be provided before payments were accepted.

Family Allegedly Paid ₹16.8 Lakh in Instalments

Rajeshree alleged that she began transferring money after receiving an offer letter. On November 25, 2024, she transferred ₹5 lakh from her HDFC Bank account to an account provided by the consultant. She allegedly paid another ₹5 lakh on December 26, 2024, followed by additional payments, including ₹1.25 lakh in September 2025 and ₹31,827 through her husband’s credit card in December 2025.

The family also travelled to Mumbai for biometric appointments, but their procedures allegedly could not be completed on two occasions. During one visit, Upadhyay reportedly informed them that the required courier had not arrived.

The family eventually completed the biometric process on December 12, 2025, after receiving another appointment.

Visas Not Issued Despite Payments

According to the complaint, the family spent ₹17,281 on one of the unsuccessful trips to Mumbai. The consultant had allegedly agreed to reimburse the expense.

Rajeshree claimed that despite making payments and completing the biometric procedure, the family did not receive the promised Canadian work visas. She alleged that the consultant neither arranged the visas nor helped the family migrate to Canada, despite receiving a total of ₹16.8 lakh.

Satellite Police Begin Investigation

Satellite police have registered a case against the immigration consultant and initiated an investigation into the allegations. The police are examining the financial transactions and other details to establish the circumstances of the case.