Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 4: Former MLA Mohiudeen Bava has urged the government to take stringent action against those involved in fraudulent activities during the Umrah pilgrimage.

He specifically called for an investigation into the travel agencies responsible for deceiving people by issuing fake return tickets.

Bava stated, "Several travel agencies facilitate Umrah services for Muslim devotees. However, a recent case involving Ashraf Sakafi Parpunji from the Mohamadiya Travel Agency in Kabaka has raised serious concerns. Ashraf took 162 Muslim devotees on the Umrah pilgrimage, but instead of providing legitimate return tickets, he issued dummy tickets."

He further explained, "After reaching Saudi Arabia, Ashraf disappeared, leaving the 162 devotees stranded. While some managed to return to India at their own expense, I had to personally intervene and coordinate with various organisations to help the remaining 58 devotees return home safely."