Rajiv Laskar and Junaid Mia entered India legally but fell into a trap laid by unscrupulous agents promising Turkish visas. Introduced to Achintya Kumar Pal by fellow countryman Humayun Kabir, they were duped into handing over their freedom for forged promises.

Once ensnared at the Techocity hotel, the victims faced relentless extortion. The accused siphoned off Rs 3 lakh via bank transfer from Bangladesh, yet hungered for more. Their ordeal ended dramatically when Techocity police, tipped off by informants, raided the site.

Both perpetrators were handcuffed on the spot amid the chaos. Interrogations have begun, peeling back layers of this visa scam that exploited vulnerable travelers.

Produced in Barasat Court the following day, Kabir and Pal now face serious charges of kidnapping and ransom demands. Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate’s top brass emphasized ongoing probes: ‘We’re tracing accomplices and past activities to dismantle the entire racket.’

This incident exposes vulnerabilities in migration pathways, where desperate job-seekers become easy prey. It serves as a grim reminder for authorities to intensify monitoring of dubious travel agencies and fortify protections for international visitors.

As investigations deepen, the focus remains on preventing such atrocities, ensuring Kolkata remains a safe haven rather than a hunting ground for traffickers.