Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 19: Alleging that they were cheated after being lured with promises of a high-paying job, three youths have lodged complaints at the Bajpe and Kadri police stations, stating that they were taken to Armenia on false assurances of employment.

The complainants have been identified as Manjunath Naik, Umesh from B C Road, and Gagan from Yeyyadi. After returning from Armenia on December 4, the victims approached the police and filed complaints detailing the alleged fraud.

According to the complaint, a person identified as Rakesh Rai, known to them, assured the youths that there were job opportunities in Armenia and that he would secure them employment in an American company. Trusting his claims, the victims paid Rs 2.25 lac, following which visiting visas were arranged for them. They travelled to Armenia on October 8.

Upon arrival, Rakesh, along with two others, received them at the airport and arranged accommodation in a rented room. However, even after a week, no job was provided. The persons who had brought them to Armenia allegedly showed no concern for them and failed to arrange employment. Left with no alternative and in need of money, the youths were eventually forced to take up daily wage work there.

The complainants further stated that they later realised Armenia was poorer than India. They somehow managed to escape the situation and return home. They said they had left decent jobs in India, hoping to earn a salary running into lacs as promised.

They also stated that a visiting visa permits only a 21-day stay, but they had overstayed and were fined. As they did not have money to pay the fine, they were made to give a written undertaking stating that they would not return. They were also reportedly banned, which, Manjunath Naik stated in his complaint, could create problems for them while travelling to other countries in the future.

Police have taken up the matter for further investigation.