SRINAGAR: The Crime Branch, Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Jammu, has filed a chargesheet against siblings Poonam Sharma and Akash Sharma, residents of Janipur, Jammu, in an alleged visa fraud case involving a purportedly fake Australian job offer.
The chargesheet has been submitted before the Court of the 13th Judicial Magistrate/FC, Jammu, in FIR No. 08/2026, registered at Police Station Crime Branch (EOW), Jammu. The accused have been booked under Sections 420, 468, 120-B and 201 of the RPC, along with Sections 10 and 24 of the Emigration Act, 1983.
The case stems from a written complaint filed by Jaspal Singh, a resident of Digiana, Jammu, who alleged that he paid Rs 2.30 lakh by cheque to the accused for arranging an Australian work visa for his son.
According to the Crime Branch, Poonam Sharma allegedly provided the complainant with a job offer letter purportedly issued by “Drillfit Energy Queensland, Australia” to gain his confidence and obtain the payment.
The investigation, conducted by DySP Vishal Sharma, allegedly uncovered irregularities involving M/s Futuristic Education Consultancy, which was reportedly being operated by the accused siblings.
Records obtained from the Deputy Labour Commissioner, Jammu, during the investigation showed that the consultancy’s registration was valid only until March 31, 2015, after which it allegedly continued operations without valid authorisation or renewal.
The Crime Branch alleged that Akash Sharma operated the consultancy as its proprietor, while Poonam Sharma worked as an agent and allegedly made promises to unemployed youth seeking employment and opportunities abroad.
The investigating agency has also alleged that the siblings had been involved in similar criminal activities in the past.
Following completion of the investigation, the chargesheet was placed before the competent court for judicial determination of the allegations.
The SSP, Crime Branch EOW Jammu, meanwhile, urged members of the public to exercise caution while dealing with immigration and overseas employment consultancies and verify their credentials and authorisation before making any payments.
