Hyderabad: A Hyderabad-based engineer allegedly lost Rs 3.5 lakh after responding to an Instagram advertisement for an Umrah pilgrimage package. Police have arrested one person in connection with the alleged fraud, while the prime accused is reportedly absconding in Dubai.
According to Mylardevpally Police, the accused were allegedly operating a travel business under the name ‘tours_2_Umrah’ from Orbit Towers in Madhapur and used Instagram and other social media platforms to promote Umrah travel packages.
Instagram Advertisement Leads Engineer to Travel Operator
The alleged fraud came to light after Zeeshan Saad, 31, an engineer from Raghavendra Colony, approached the police.
Saad was reportedly planning to travel to Saudi Arabia with his family for Umrah during the upcoming Ramadan month. While searching for a suitable pilgrimage package, he came across an advertisement posted on Instagram by ‘tours_2_Umrah’.
He contacted the phone number mentioned in the advertisement. Police said the person who answered the call introduced himself as Syed Afsaruddin and offered to arrange the Umrah trip for around Rs 4 lakh.
Trusting the offer, Saad allegedly transferred Rs 3.5 lakh in several instalments.
However, after receiving the money, the accused allegedly failed to provide the promised visa and other travel documents. The phone was later switched off, leaving Saad unable to contact the person or obtain the promised services.
Police Suspect Similar Victims
During the investigation, police reportedly found that the accused may have collected money from several other people using a similar method.
Investigators traced the activities linked to the alleged operation and arrested Mohammed Imran, 30, a photographer from Bahadurpura.
Police reportedly seized a mobile phone and documents believed to be connected with the case from Imran.
Prime Accused Reportedly Absconding in Dubai
Police identified Syed Afsaruddin, a native of Medak who is currently in Dubai, as the prime accused or A-1 in the case. He is reportedly absconding.
Mohammed Imran has been identified as A-2 and has been arrested.
A case has been registered at Mylardevpally Police Station under Sections 318(4) and 316(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act.
The investigation is continuing, and police are looking into the alleged involvement of the accused in similar cases.
Police Warn Against Fake Umrah Offers on Social Media
Mylardevpally Police have urged people to exercise caution when responding to Umrah and other pilgrimage travel advertisements posted on Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms.
Police advised prospective pilgrims to verify the credentials of travel operators, check their registration and documents, confirm the authenticity of visa and travel arrangements, and verify the operator’s previous track record before making any payment.
The incident serves as a reminder to carefully verify online pilgrimage offers, particularly those involving large advance payments, before transferring money.
