A Vadodara resident, Darshan Patel, has filed a case against his nephew, Dhruv Patel, and cousin, Divyangi Patel, for allegedly extorting Rs2.7 crore in a fake Canadian visa scam. According to Darshan, he gave money to Dhruv on various occasions, initially for a visitor visa, later for a work permit, and ultimately for a business visa.
Darshan, who had been residing in London on a student visa since 2009, returned to Vadodara in 2014 after it expired. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, he met his cousin, Divyangi, who claimed that her son Dhruv could help him secure a Canadian visa and job.
Dhruv allegedly provided Darshan with a fake work permit letter and an air ticket, convincing him that the visa process was underway. However, Darshan later discovered that the air ticket was fake after confirming with the airlines. Realizing he had been scammed, Darshan demanded his money back, but Dhruv ceased communication.
Darshan confronted Dhruv in June 2024 after the death of his father. Dhruv, however, claimed he had no money to repay and suggested transferring his Vadodara house as a settlement. After eight months of waiting for any reimbursement, Darshan approached the police and filed a complaint for extortion and fraud against Dhruv and Divyangi Patel.