Parminder Kumar, a Dalit of Landhra village in Phillaur sub-division of the district, was taken to Greece on December 16 last year by a travel agent of Garhi Man Singh village. But instead of taking him to Greece, the agent held him captive in Iran.

This was stated by his wife Jagir Kaur, who also alleged that Parminder informed her on phone that he was incarcerated by an Iran-based travel agent, Issa, who is close confidant of Sohan Singh Chauhan, the agent who took him to Greece.

She alleged that her husband said he was being tortured with hot iron rods and they were demanding Rs 6 lakh from him, and if he fails to pay, he will be killed.

Jagir alleged that the police may not help her because Chauhan had earlier also duped many innocents, but has not been arrested to date.

Notably, Chauhan had earlier taken 12 youths of Doaba to Greece in 2006, but they landed in a Sri Lankan jail, where they are completing their sentences. It was learnt that victims’ families had complained against him to the police a number of times, but no case was registered, even after the youths were sentenced.

He had not only duped the youths of over Rs 30 lakh, but also kept them without food in a dingy ship near Sri Lanka for over two months.

Piari, sister of Parminder, said he asked her to sell his house and pay Rs 2.5 lakh to the agent through a moneychanger or an agent. Parminder, father of three, had taken Rs 1.5 lakh on interest and the remaining money was to be paid after landing in Greece, said Piari. Parminder’s wife said they have sought help from the Lok Bhalai Party (LBP).

Meanwhile, Avtar Singh Mullanpuri of the LBP said the family had complained to them and their president BS Ramoowalia has been taking up the matter with the authorities concerned.

Phillaur SHO said they had received a complaint against Chauhan recently and investigation was on.

ASI Naresh Kumar of Dosanjh police post said Chauhan and his wife Rashpal Kaur have been booked under Sections 420 and 406 and the process to attach their properties was to be started, when they came to know that he has assets in Sri Lanka. The ASI added that Chauhan has been declared a proclaimed offender.