Bombay High Court Denies Bail To Accused Visa Fraud Mastermind

Ghanshyam Kushawaha, an agent accused of fabricating UAE tourist visas for three individuals in order to evade the Protector of Emigrants (POE) clearance and cheat the Government, was denied anticipatory relief by the Bombay High Court on Thursday.

"These illegal activities not only pose significant threats to national security and public safety but also undermine the integrity of the legal procedures," stated Justice R.N. Laddha, denying Kushawaha's bail petition and highlighting the seriousness of the crime. Such a crime requires the utmost seriousness and effort in its investigation, especially when the accused has fled to avoid detection.

Furthermore, the source of an efficient investigation would be compromised if such offenders were released on pre-arrest bond. After three men were apprehended at the Mumbai airport trying to board a flight to the United Arab Emirates with fake tourist visas, Kushawaha, who was originally from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, was implicated.

The documents were changed to avoid requiring POE approval, according to an investigation. Investigators concluded that the forged documents were submitted by Kushawaha. Arfan Sait, an additional public prosecutor, argued against the bail motion, claiming that Kushawaha's activities involved falsifying official records in addition to breaking immigration regulations. Sait emphasised that Kushawaha was not assisting with the inquiry and had been evading capture ever since the Case was filed.

In support of the prosecution, the Court referred to Kushawaha as the "Linchpin" of the forgery and emphasised the seriousness of such offences, which are frequently connected to fraud, human trafficking, and illegal immigration. The applicant appears to be the key player in the conduct of the offence and the origin of the forgery. There is also a real chance that there will be victims in similar situations. The Court declared that forging and
illegally converting visas is a serious offence with serious and far-reaching repercussions.

The court rejected the bail request, ruling that custodial interrogation was required due to the seriousness of the offence.

Author:
Aarya Kadam (News Writer) is a final-year BBA student and a creative writer with a passion for current affairs and legal Judgments.