TIKAPUR, March 4: A fraud ring has scammed nearly 200 youths from Kailali and Bardiya, swindling around Rs 40 million by promising them jobs on ships. The group includes Himanshu Chaudhary, 36, from Pahadipur, Rajapur Municipality-5, Bardiya, and Manoj Chaudhary from Patharaiya, Janaki Rural Municipality, Kailali. They even deployed agents in villages to lure victims.
Victims paid Rs 200,000 to Rs 500,000 in cash or bank checks. The fraudsters assured them of jobs with Royal Caribbean and provided training at Samudri Gyan Marine Academy, Lucknow, India. About 1.5 years ago victims attended a 15-day security training, followed by a two-month English training before being promised jobs within 20 days.
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However, after four months, no jobs materialized. The victims caught Himanshu Chaudhary in Bardiya, but when put to pressure, he issued invalid bank checks. He is now missing, while Manoj Chaudhary has fled to Mumbai.
The fraudsters also sent 30 youths to Mumbai, promising jobs. 21 have returned empty-handed, while nine remain stranded without employment, according to Anurag Tharu of Janaki-1, Kailali.
Many victims had quit jobs or taken loans to pay the fraudsters and are now struggling to repay debts. Bishnu Chaudhary of Janaki-8 said some are at risk of losing their property.
The victims tried to file complaints at Rajapur and Tikapur police, but authorities refused. The Tikapur Administration Office advised them to go to the Department of Labour, worsening their plight.
With high unemployment, such scams are on rise, leaving many young people in financial ruin.
