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Punjab Man Arrested in Spain Travel Scam Using Forged Schengen Visas

June 9, 2025, 11:59 am

A man aged 25 from Punjab has been detained by police at Delhi’s IGI Airport for operating an illicit travel ring to Spain in a startling case of international human trafficking. The defendant, Kamaldeep Singh of Amritsar, lured job seekers with forged airline tickets and phony Schengen visas. After apprehending three people at Indira Gandhi International Airport, authorities apprehended him on May 29. They had been promised jobs in Spain by Kamaldeep.

The victims thought the overseas job placements were real, so they paid a total of ₹17 lakh. Their travel documents, however, were flagged as suspicious by airline officials, who subsequently verified that they were fraudulent.

Trio Caught With Forged Documents

Authorities intercepted the three individuals at Delhi’s IGI Airport on May 29 when they attempted to board a flight to Madrid. Airline officials grew suspicious of their documents and referred them to immigration authorities. “The Schengen visas on their passports were confirmed to be counterfeit by a Swiss liaison officer,” an airport official revealed.

Schengen visas allow non-EU citizens to travel freely across 27 European countries. Officials detained the passengers as soon as they discovered the forged documents. They have registered a case to investigate the human-trafficking racket further.

Agent Flees After Trio’s Arrest

After the arrest of the trio, Kamaldeep Singh went underground. However, a police team tracked him to Kurukshetra and apprehended him after a 300-kilometre chase. Authorities said he collaborated with another agent, Sonu Walia, whom the Punjab Police had already arrested and placed in Gurdaspur jail.

“Kamaldeep Singh was part of a larger network trying to send people abroad illegally using forged travel documents,” police said. “Efforts are underway to formally arrest Walia and investigate the full extent of this racket.”

Kamaldeep had charged each person lakhs of rupees, promising secure jobs in Spain. However, their dreams were built on fake promises and false documents. The police have now initiated steps to uncover the entire nexus behind this travel scam.

It is important to be aware of such scams to ensure one’s safety. Thousands of such scams take place in our country daily, and the only way to fight against these is to spread awareness about them among everyone.

Canadian Caught at IGI Airport with Severed Crocodile Head

January 8, 2025, 11:15 am

Customs officials at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport detained a Canadian national after discovering a severed crocodile head in his luggage. The incident occurred late on January 5 at Terminal 3, drawing attention due to the passenger’s unusual and suspicious behavior.

Crocodile are Protected species

Security personnel questioned him immediately and the traveler admitted to purchasing the crocodile head as a souvenir during his trip to Thailand. However, he failed to produce the mandatory permits required for transporting wildlife products. Customs officials alerted the state forest and wildlife department to examine the specimen.

The traveler, while insisting that he neither hunted nor killed the crocodile, failed to produce a special permit needed to transport such wildlife products.

Wildlife Protection Act Violations

Airport officials alerted the state forest and wildlife department to identify the specimen. Deputy Range Officer Rajesh Tandon’s team identified the item as the head of a crocodile. Crocodiles are protected species under India’s Wildlife Protection Act. Officials confirmed that lab tests would be conducted to determine the exact species.

The forest department has taken custody of the crocodile head which is a clear violation of wildlife regulations. Customs officials are initiating strict legal action against the traveler under the Wildlife Protection Act. Transporting wildlife products without proper documentation is a punishable offense in India.

Officials emphasized that ignorance of wildlife laws does not exempt individuals from penalties.

Similar Cases Raise Concerns

This incident follows a similar case in August last year when another Canadian national attempted to smuggle unidentified animal horns out of India. She claimed that she found those horns during a trek in Ladakh and she wanted to keep them with her as a souvenir. Authorities have noted an uptick in cases involving the illegal transport of wildlife products.

Delhi Customs Seize Cocaine Worth Rs 24 Crore at IGI Airport

September 15, 2024, 5:17 pm

Delhi Customs seized 1,660 grams of cocaine worth over Rs 24 crore from a male passenger at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday. The passenger, a national of the Federal Republic of Liberia, had arrived in Delhi from Dubai and was arrested under the NDPS Act 1985.

In a post on X, Delhi Customs stated, “Based on profiling, Customs@IGI Airport have seized 1,660 grams of cocaine valued at Rs 24.90 crore from one male passenger of Federal Republic of Liberia nationality who arrived from Dubai to Delhi. The passenger has been arrested under NDPS Act, 1985.” Further investigation is ongoing.

Earlier in May, Delhi Customs intercepted a significant haul of contraband, seizing more than 2,000 grams of osmium powder and two luxury watches valued at Rs 72.3 lakh from two Indian nationals who arrived from Hong Kong. In a post on X, Delhi Customs said, “Based on profiling, Customs@IGI Airport have seized 2,953 grams of osmium powder and 2 luxury watches valued at Rs 72.3 lakhs from two Indian nationals who arrived from Hong Kong.”

These operations were part of routine profiling measures employed by customs authorities at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, were promptly apprehended under the Customs Act, 1962.

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On May 3, the Patparganj Commissionerate of Delhi Customs seized 30,090 e-cigarettes worth Rs 2.40 crore. The e-cigarettes were concealed as hair accessories. The import of e-cigarettes is prohibited under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (PMIETSDSA) Act, 2019.

Delhi Rains Cause Flight Diversions At IGI Airport

July 31, 2024, 10:48 pm

New Delhi, Jul 31: Heavy rains in the national capital led to at least 10 flights being diverted from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Wednesday evening.

An official reported that the flights were diverted after 19:30 hours due to bad weather. Out of the 10 flights, eight were redirected to Jaipur and two to Lucknow. The heavy rains in Delhi also resulted in waterlogging and traffic congestion in several areas.

On social media platform X, airlines informed passengers that flights might be affected due to the bad weather.

Vistara announced that flight UK998 from Pune to Delhi was diverted to Lucknow due to the weather conditions at the Delhi airport.

Air India advised passengers to start early for the airport, warning of potential delays due to slow traffic and waterlogging. “Flights to and from Delhi may get affected due to bad weather this evening,” the airline stated.

SpiceJet also alerted passengers, saying, “Due to bad weather (heavy rain) in Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected.”

IndiGo shared a light-hearted post on X, announcing, “We have a special announcement straight from the heavenly skies! The rain gods have decided to shower #Delhi with their blessings tonight. As a result, we’re expecting heavy rainfall throughout the night,” and asked passengers to check their flight status.

Passengers traveling to and from Delhi are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and allow extra travel time to the airport due to potential delays caused by the weather.

Delhi Airport Tragedy: Son Mourns Father’s Death, Says It Has Shattered Our Family

June 29, 2024, 3:06 pm

Excitement filled 23-year-old Roshni’s world until Thursday as the family busily planned her wedding for next year. Her father, Ramesh Kumar, worked tirelessly to ensure her dream day would be perfect. However, tragedy struck early Friday when a heavy pole crushed Kumar’s cab at IGI Airport, killing him instantly.

Ravinder (25), Kumar’s elder son, recounted to TOI the moment he received the news. “We received a call from the airport informing us that my father had been injured,” he recalled. “Later, the devastating truth came: he had passed away, and his body was taken to Safdarjung Hospital. We haven’t been allowed to see him yet.”

Ravinder vividly remembered his father’s last conversation with his younger brother at 3 am. Kumar had mentioned he was transporting a passenger from Faridabad to IGI Airport, wrapping up his shift, and looking forward to returning home. He had been driving cabs from 5 pm till early morning for the past four years. “Before this, my father used to drive private vehicles,” Ravinder said, his voice filled with tears. “As my sister’s wedding approached, I also started driving cabs, juggling multiple shifts.”

Ravinder went on to share that just two months ago, they had purchased a second-hand car and are still paying installments. “Now, I’m not sure how we’ll manage the payments,” he admitted, his voice reflecting uncertainty and concern.

Originally from Bundelkhand, the family resides in rented accommodation in Rohini’s Vijay Vihar. Besides Roshni and Ravinder, Kumar left behind his wife and two other children.

“My younger sister Bhawna (18) was very close to him, and we haven’t yet told her about the incident,” Ravinder said. Bhawna recently cleared her Class XI exams, and Kumar wanted to help her prepare for competitive examinations. “This tragedy hasn’t just taken one life; it has shattered our family. Our future looks uncertain now,” Ravinder said, his voice full of grief and apprehension.

Delhi Airport Introduces India’s First FTI-TTP: What Is This Scheme And How To Apply?

June 22, 2024, 4:47 pm

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has become the first airport in India to implement the new ‘Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)’. This innovative scheme, aimed at streamlining the travel experience for Indian passport holders and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The launch event took place at Terminal 3, where special counters for FTI-TTP members were unveiled.

The FTI-TTP initiative reflects the Indian Government’s commitment to enhancing travel efficiency and security. Designed to provide a quicker and more convenient passage through immigration, the programme promises significant benefits for eligible travellers.

To enroll in the FTI-TTP, individuals must apply online, a process that can take up to one month. Applicants are required to have a passport with at least six months’ validity at the time of application. The membership will remain valid as long as the passport is. During the application process, candidates need to submit their biometrics, including fingerprints and facial images, along with other necessary information. Final approval and registration will follow a thorough verification of eligibility.

The programme is expected to alleviate congestion at airports by offering expedited emigration and immigration clearance for pre-approved travellers. Currently, Terminal 3 at Delhi Airport is equipped with eight electronic gates—four designated for arrivals and four for departures—dedicated to ensuring a smooth experience for FTI-TTP participants. More counters may be introduced depending on the demand.

DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar expressed pride in collaborating with the Government of India for this initiative. “The launch of the FTI-Trusted Traveller Programme at Delhi Airport marks a significant milestone. This facility offers a seamless travel experience for all international passengers who opt for this service. By allowing Indian passport holders and OCI cardholders to use these e-gates, we are bypassing the usual emigration and immigration queues, thereby ensuring a more efficient and enjoyable journey. This technology-driven programme is tailored to make the clearance process faster and simpler,” he said.

With this initiative, Delhi Airport sets a new standard in international travel, aligning with global practices to ensure a world-class experience for its passengers.

Bomb Scare on IndiGo Aircraft at IGI Airport Turns Out to Be Hoax

May 29, 2024, 11:14 am

A bomb threat discovered on a Varanasi-bound IndiGo Aircraft at Delhi’s IGI Airport prompted the evacuation of 174 passengers and two children on Tuesday morning. The note reading “bomb@5.30” was found in the lavatory around 5 am, leading to a thorough security check of the aircraft. Despite the chaos, security agencies later deemed the threat to be a hoax.

Following standard security procedures, authorities evacuated the passengers through emergency exits and moved the IndiGo Aircraft to an isolation bay for further inspection. An alternate aircraft was arranged, and the flight eventually departed for Varanasi after a delay of over six hours.

DCP (IGI) Usha Rangnani confirmed that no suspicious items were found during the inspection. An IndiGo spokesperson stated that all necessary protocols were followed, and passengers were provided with refreshments before boarding the alternate flight.

This incident comes after similar bomb threats were reported in other flights at IGI Airport, underscoring the importance of stringent security measures to ensure passenger safety.

IMD issues orange alert for Delhi; Moderate thunderstorms; drizzle likely to occur

March 2, 2024, 11:10 am

Persistent rain graced Delhi from 5 to 6 am on Saturday, offering respite to various areas including IGI Airport, AIIMS, DND, Noida, Vasant Kunj, and Dwarka. This rain, coupled with a temperature drop, ushered in a more pleasant climate in Delhi NCR.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Delhi and a yellow alert for Noida, Greater Noida, Faridabad, and Gurugram. Meteorologists advise individuals to stay updated on weather forecasts before venturing out and to take necessary precautions.

IMD anticipates a cloudy sky in Delhi on Saturday with the likelihood of light to moderate thunderstorms and drizzle. Strong winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kilometers per hour are expected. The minimum temperature is predicted to be 15 degrees, and the maximum temperature is projected to reach 24 degrees—two degrees below the normal maximum temperature and three degrees above the normal minimum temperature.

Over the past 24 hours, the minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 29.9 degrees, three degrees above normal, whereas the minimum temperature was 10.8 degrees Celsius, two degrees below normal. IMD forecasts cloudy weather in Delhi until March 6, with clear skies expected on March 7.

There is no indication of a temperature increase in the coming days. PM 2.5 levels at IGI Airport (T3) were 225 (considered poor), and PM10 levels were 219. In Dwarka Sector 8, the PM 2.5 level was 338, falling into the very poor category.

Dense Fog Disrupts Delhi-NCR: Flight and Train Delays Cause Inconvenience

December 29, 2023, 11:31 am

Delhi-NCR experienced a hazy morning on Friday as the cold wave continued to hold its grip on Northern India, resulting in dense fog. Despite a slight improvement in fog conditions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the lowest visibility was recorded at 150 meters, with the Runway Visual Range (RVR) ranging from 400 to 800 meters, according to the India Meteorological Department.

The thick fog led to delays in several flights at the Delhi Airport, affecting both arrivals and departures. Additionally, Delhi-bound trains faced delays due to low visibility. The Meteorological Department’s forecast warned of the possibility of visibility reducing to 50 meters in very dense fog and improving to 400 meters in moderate fog at the IGI airport.

Passengers voiced their grievances over the inconvenience caused by the delays. A traveller, Mohd Shahrukh, expressed frustration as his flight was delayed by nearly three hours, impacting attendance at an important event. He stated, “A lot of people are facing difficulties due to the delay of flights.”

The impact of dense fog extended to trains as well. Subhash, another passenger, highlighted delays affecting eight trains that were supposed to reach the previous night and uncertainty about their arrival times.

The low visibility on roads due to dense fog also posed challenges for morning commuters. The India Meteorological Department has issued predictions of dense to very dense fog conditions across North Indian states for the next two days, cautioning travellers and urging caution on the roads.

Heavy Fog Disrupts Delhi Air Traffic, 18 Flights Diverted at IGI Airport

December 2, 2023, 12:23 pm

The national capital witnessed significant air travel disruptions on Saturday due to thick fog and poor weather conditions at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, leading to the diversion of 18 Delhi-bound flights and causing delays for numerous others, airport sources confirmed.

Between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., as visibility plummeted below 800 meters, low visibility procedures (LVP) were activated to assist flight landings. Flights were redirected to cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Amritsar amidst the first spell of the season’s fog.

Delhi experienced reduced visibility as well as ‘ very poor’ air quality readings in various areas, resulting in smog cover across multiple city sectors.

Due to the delays and diversions, airlines actively updated passengers via social media, urging them to contact the carriers for assistance.

Vistara Airlines reported the diversion of Flights UK954 and UK928 from Mumbai to Jaipur in a series of updates, later confirming their expected arrival at Delhi Airport before 11:30 a.m.

#DiversionUpdate: Flight UK832 from Chennai to Delhi (MAA-DEL) has been diverted to Amritsar (ATQ) due to low visibility at Delhi (DEL) airport and is expected to arrive in Amritsar at 1100hrs. Please stay tuned for further updates.

— Vistara (@airvistara) December 2, 2023

Similarly, due to bad weather and low visibility at IGI Airport, Vistara’s Delhi-bound Flight UK906 from Ahmedabad was rerouted back to Ahmedabad.

Terminal 3 of IGI recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 375 at 10:00 a.m., with areas like Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar rated ‘Very Poor’ with AQI readings of 388 and 386, respectively, at 6 a.m.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai highlighted the lifting of Graded Response Action Plan (Grap-3) while emphasizing stringent implementation of Grap-1 and 2 to combat the deteriorating air quality. The AQI categorizes 0-100 as ‘good’ and 400-500 or above as’severe’.

Five booked in 3 separate cases of smuggling at IGI airport

August 18, 2023, 10:21 am

The Air Custom Unit at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi have arrested five people in three separate cases of smuggling and recovered 6,522 grams of gold worth Rs. 3.43 crore hidden in their clothes and rectum.

The Delhi Customs (Airport and General) posted on X, “AirCustoms@IGIA have booked 3 separate cases of smuggling after 6522 gms of gold concealed by 5 pax in their clothes & rectum were recovered and seized. Value of seized gold is Rs. 3.43 Cr Further investigations are on.”

The Customs department issued a statement saying that on August 13, on the basis of suspicion, the officers of Airport Customs at Terminal-3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, filed three different cases of gold smuggling against five Indian national passengers who arrived at Terminal-3, IGI Airport New Delhi by Flight No. EY218 of Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi and flight no. 6E 1464 of Indigo Airlines from Dubai.

The passengers attempted to smuggle the gold by disguising it in their jeans and handbags, one passenger tried to smuggle it hidden in his rectum. After the search, the recovery of gold collectively weighed 6,522 grams, which has a tariff value of Rs. 3.42 crore.

As per the statement, the recovered gold has been confiscated under section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962. Three passengers have been arrested under section 104 of the Customs Act, 1962, however, further investigation is under progress.

Full emergency declared at Delhi airport as Dubai-bound plane suffers bird hit

April 1, 2023, 2:51 pm

A full emergency has been declared at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Saturday after a Dubai-bound FedEx aircraft suffered a bird hit soon after take-off, according to airport officials. Airport officials stated that the FedEx aircraft was hit minutes after it took-off. FedEx is a courier/cargo aircraft.
More details awaited.