- The case highlights a troubling pattern involving NRIs who, due to limited physical presence in India, often rely heavily on relatives for investments and property management
- Police emphasize the importance of verifying business proposals thoroughly, regardless of family connections, to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes
A shocking case of financial fraud has emerged from Jalandhar, where an NRI couple based in Surrey, Canada, was allegedly duped of ₹4.28 crore by their own relatives. The prolonged mental and financial distress reportedly contributed to the death of the husband, 65-year-old Baldev Raj, on September 7, 2025, according to the complaint filed by his wife, Praveen Kumari.
The accused — identified as Ninder and his wife Avtar Kaur, residents of Golden Avenue in Jalandhar — allegedly lured the Canadian couple with an attractive investment proposal in an “airlines business” in 2018. They allegedly assured the couple of an annual return of 20 percent. According to the FIR filed at Nurmahal police station, the couple trusted their relatives and agreed to invest, unaware of the alleged deception they were stepping into.
- The complaint states that the accused initially demanded ₹10 lakh for “documentation,” followed by a request for 66,500 Canadian dollars. Soon after, ₹3.40 crore was transferred from a Nurmahal-based Indian bank account belonging to the NRI couple directly into the accused couple’s account
- Over the next few years, more payments were allegedly taken — including 21,000 Canadian dollars in January 2020 and ₹23 lakh in 2023, purportedly for airline policy updates
Throughout this period, the accused allegedly showed documents claiming ownership or involvement in aviation-related ventures but never handed over any genuine share certificates or agreements. When the promised returns never materialized, the couple demanded clarity — leading to years of emotional strain.
Praveen Kumari’s complaint alleges that the enormous financial loss, combined with insecurity over their life savings, caused her husband prolonged stress and health deterioration culminating in his death. She has accused Ninder and Avtar Kaur of cheating, breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy.
The police have registered a case under Sections 406, 420, and 120B of the IPC. Authorities say the accused are currently absconding, and teams have been formed to trace them. Officials have assured the family of swift progress.
