27 Aug 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : A Zonal NRI Milni held in Bathinda provided Non-Resident Indians with a platform to raise grievances ranging from alleged police inaction to immigration fraud and disputes involving money and overseas settlement promises.
Mansa Resident Alleges Police Inaction
Gurdev Singh, a resident of Mansa who said he is settled in Ontario, approached authorities with a complaint involving the alleged suicides of two relatives.
He alleged that a woman from Nasibpura village had taken Rs 60 lakh after promising to help his relative settle in Canada but later failed to fulfil the promise. The family had reportedly arranged the money through loans.
Gurdev alleged that the family approached the police but that a case was not registered and the family was instead pressured to resolve the matter.
Bathinda DC Assures Examination of Complaint
During the event, Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman asked Gurdev Singh to meet him in his office and assured him that the allegations would be examined.
The complaint is now expected to be looked into by the concerned authorities.
Another Complaint Involves Germany Immigration
Another complainant, Bharpoor Singh, alleged that an immigration agent cheated his niece after promising to send her to Germany.
According to his complaint, she neither received the promised employment nor managed to extend her visa after reaching Germany. Bharpoor claimed German authorities told the family that the agent was not registered.
Police Complaint Was Reopened
Bharpoor alleged that the local police had initially closed the family’s complaint.
He said the matter was later reopened following intervention by the Punjab DGP. The family allegedly continued to face pressure to accept money and remain silent.
NRI Grievances Discussed at the Event
The minister said genuine complaints raised by NRIs would be addressed on merit and within the stipulated timeframe.
According to the minister, common grievances brought by Punjabi NRIs include property disputes, illegal occupation of land, documentation-related discrepancies and matrimonial issues.
NRIs From Several Punjab Districts Participate
The Bathinda event saw participation from NRIs and complainants connected to Bathinda, Muktsar, Moga, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Fazilka and Mansa districts.
While several people raised complaints, some NRIs also appreciated the authorities for resolving their earlier grievances.
Focus on Immigration Fraud
Immigration-related complaints remain a major concern for families seeking opportunities abroad.
The allegations raised at the Bathinda event highlight the financial and legal risks faced by people who depend on agents for overseas employment, visas and settlement assistance.
Government’s NRI Outreach
The Punjab government has been using NRI Milni programmes to provide NRIs with direct access to officials and ministers for resolving grievances.
The Bathinda gathering was part of this broader outreach aimed at strengthening engagement with the Punjabi diaspora.
Authorities to Examine Complaints
The complaints raised at the event involve allegations that have yet to be established through investigation.
Officials are expected to examine the documents and evidence submitted by complainants before deciding on further action.