Latest news with #JotwaniAssociates
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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
US F-1, J-1 visa crisis: Agents can't get you interview slots, warn experts
Yes, there is a crisis in getting US visa slots for Indian students. But, no, agents, lawyers or even your college can't get you an appointment. Nearly two weeks after the US consulates resumed student visa interviews on June 26, Indian applicants are still scrambling. Appointments remain scarce, delays continue, and August travel plans are hanging by a thread. 'Right now, even though the US finally started releasing visa appointments again, it's honestly a mess. Slots open at random times, and they're gone in seconds,' Kajal Dave, co-founder of LaunchEd told Business Standard. 'Students with courses starting in August are freaking out because they've already paid lakhs in tuition, booked flights, and arranged housing—but can't get a visa appointment in time.' She added, 'We're talking about ₹10–30 lakh in tuition, another lakh or two for housing deposits, and at least ₹75,000 on flights. If they can't make it on time and the college won't let them defer, that's potentially ₹12–35 lakh down the drain. That's a huge hit for any family.' But there's little help available. Students desperate for a way out risk being targeted by agents who claim they can secure visa appointments. Experts say this is not only false, but dangerous. "Students should avoid unofficial representatives or shortcuts because these are more likely to result in scams or additional problems," said Mamta Shekhawat, founder at Advocate Sharanya Tripathi, associate at Jotwani Associates, echoed the caution. 'Students should book exclusively through official US portals such as since no agent has the authority to expedite or guarantee visa approvals,' she said. Tripathi explained that students should: • Check if the consultancy is registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs • Look for affiliations like AAERI • Avoid anyone claiming 'special access' or asking for cash payments without receipts • Confirm that the university is certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) • Keep records of every transaction and conversation • Contact the US Embassy if in doubt • Plan early to avoid last-minute scams If you've been scammed, here's what you can do Students who have already fallen prey to fake agents can still act. Tripathi advised the following legal steps under Indian law: • File an FIR at the local police station under Section 316 (criminal breach of trust) and Section 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita • Lodge a complaint at [ with all emails, messages, and payment proofs • Approach the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 • Seek remedies under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 if personal data was misused • Send legal notices and consider civil suits for refund recovery • Report the fraud to US agencies like the Federal Trade Commission or Department of Homeland Security • Inform the US college involved, as they may offer guidance or support What support can students expect from universities? 'What's important right now is for students to stay disciplined in how they engage: avoid falling for misinformation, keep checking official portals consistently, and maintain a direct line with their university's in-country staff or representatives,' said Siddharth Iyer, chief operating officer at OneStep Global. 'If the current situation doesn't ease in the coming days, we may see more institutions proactively step in with bridging solutions but clarity on that will only come closer to the course start window,' he added. Shekhawat said most US colleges try to support students affected by visa delays. 'They might request students to postpone their admissions by a semester or an academic year while keeping their acceptance intact,' she said. 'Some colleges even correspond directly with US consulates for urgent cases or issue new I-20 forms.' Is there a legal or emergency route for those stuck? 'There are a few pathways, though none are easy,' said Iyer. 'Students with fast-approaching course start dates can apply for emergency appointments provided they have the necessary documentation and proof of urgency. But approvals aren't guaranteed, and availability remains thin.' Some universities are offering remote start or temporary deferrals, but not all programmes, especially undergraduate ones, are structured to support that. Why are US visa slots still so scarce? Several factors have created a bottleneck in the visa process: • Peak demand for fall semester in August • Limited consular staff and processing capacity • Enhanced vetting, including social media checks Can education consultants help? Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education, said consultants can play a support role but not fix the root issue. 'Reputable education consultants can't fast-track a visa appointment, but they can prepare documents properly, help with emergency requests, and liaise with universities for deferrals,' he said. 'They can also guide students through the interview process, which is crucial given the current scrutiny,' Anand added. 'It's important to only work with well-established firms to avoid misinformation and fraud.'
South China Morning Post
29-06-2025
- South China Morning Post
Newlywed wives accused of murdering husbands stun India: ‘men as victims'
What happens when women become the accused in a society accustomed to viewing them as victims? A recent spate of spousal killings involving newlywed brides in India has upended social assumptions and sparked debate over gender, justice – and the price of compulsion. Advertisement The latest case – a chilling murder on a honeymoon – has riveted the Indian public. Earlier this month, police in Madhya Pradesh accused 25-year-old Sonam Raghuvanshi of conspiring with her boyfriend to hire assassins and murder her husband Raja Raghuvanshi, 30, while the newlyweds were travelling in the northeastern state of Meghalaya. Their marriage, like most in India, had been arranged. It was late May when Raja's decomposed body was found following an extensive search. Investigators allege that Sonam orchestrated the killing. Her father has vehemently denied the claim, accusing authorities of 'making up stories' and demanding a federal inquiry. Sonam Raghuvanshia and Raja Raghuvanshi. Photo: Facebook As the investigation unfolds, the case has become emblematic of what some legal experts describe as a disturbing new trend: wives accused of plotting to kill their husbands, often in concert with lovers from before their marriage. 'The phenomenon of newlywed brides murdering husbands in conspiracy with boyfriends is not entirely unprecedented, but its increased frequency, boldness and brazenness make it a disturbing emerging pattern in recent times,' said Bhargav Baisoya, a lawyer at Jotwani Associates in New Delhi. The headlines have come in quick succession. In March, a 22-year-old named Pragati, barely two weeks into her arranged marriage in Uttar Pradesh, was accused of collaborating with her boyfriend, Anurag, to hire contract killers to murder her husband, Dilip. Saurabh Rajput's body was found stuffed inside a cement-filled drum. Photo: X That same month in Meerut, police discovered the remains of former merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput, his body stuffed inside a cement-filled drum. Investigators allege his wife, Muskan, and her lover, Sahil Shukla, drugged him and then stabbed him to death.
South China Morning Post
29-06-2025
- South China Morning Post
Newlywed wives accused of murdering husbands stun India: ‘men as victims'
What happens when women become the accused in a society accustomed to viewing them as victims? A recent spate of spousal killings involving newlywed brides in India has upended social assumptions and sparked debate over gender, justice – and the price of compulsion. The latest case – a chilling murder on a honeymoon – has riveted the Indian public. Earlier this month, police in Madhya Pradesh accused 25-year-old Sonam Raghuvanshi of conspiring with her boyfriend to hire assassins and murder her husband Raja Raghuvanshi, 30, while the newlyweds were travelling in the northeastern state of Meghalaya. Their marriage, like most in India, had been arranged. It was late May when Raja's decomposed body was found following an extensive search. Investigators allege that Sonam orchestrated the killing. Her father has vehemently denied the claim, accusing authorities of 'making up stories' and demanding a federal inquiry. Sonam Raghuvanshia and Raja Raghuvanshi. Photo: Facebook As the investigation unfolds, the case has become emblematic of what some legal experts describe as a disturbing new trend: wives accused of plotting to kill their husbands, often in concert with lovers from before their marriage. 'The phenomenon of newlywed brides murdering husbands in conspiracy with boyfriends is not entirely unprecedented, but its increased frequency, boldness and brazenness make it a disturbing emerging pattern in recent times,' said Bhargav Baisoya, a lawyer at Jotwani Associates in New Delhi. The headlines have come in quick succession. In March, a 22-year-old named Pragati, barely two weeks into her arranged marriage in Uttar Pradesh, was accused of collaborating with her boyfriend, Anurag, to hire contract killers to murder her husband, Dilip. Saurabh Rajput's body was found stuffed inside a cement-filled drum. Photo: X That same month in Meerut, police discovered the remains of former merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput, his body stuffed inside a cement-filled drum. Investigators allege his wife, Muskan, and her lover, Sahil Shukla, drugged him and then stabbed him to death.
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Business Standard
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Germany warns Indian students: Avoid agents offering 'complete package'
Indian students planning to study in Germany are being urged to avoid agents offering "complete packages" amid rising visa fraud, fake documents, and legal risks Surbhi Gloria Singh New Delhi Germany has warned Indian students against relying on agents offering 'complete packages' for studying abroad. The advice was give by German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann on Tuesday, even as he invited Indian students to consider Germany as their first choice for higher education. Look for universities on your own, he said. 'We want to encourage every student to individually search for universities, avoiding agents who will offer you a complete package, which sometimes is not a satisfaction,' said Ackermann. These packages often include admission, visa paperwork, accommodation and job placements—but not always reliably. Divya Singh, advocate at Jotwani Associates, said the warning is rooted in rising cases of fraud, document misrepresentation and legal problems faced by students who went through agents. Ajay Khatalawala, managing partner at Little & Co, added, 'This guidance is meant to assist students in taking educated decisions and avoiding any pitfalls associated with relying solely on third-party intermediaries. While such services may look handy, they frequently lack transparency and dependability essential for successful admission and settlement in a foreign academic setting.' What could go wrong? Khatalawala said some agents do not provide accurate details about visa rules, university accreditation or part-time work regulations. In some cases, students arrive in Germany to discover their chosen institutions are not recognised for long-term study or visa renewal. 'For instance, a student enrols through such a package, realises upon arriving in Germany that the institution was not eligible for visa renewal, resulting in an early termination of his stay,' he said. 'While the student might not be prosecuted, he experiences significant inconvenience and financial loss.' Fake documents and visa delays In 2022, Ackermann had pointed out that nearly 15% of Indian student visa applicants submitted fake documents. 'We have to ensure that only the deserving students go to Germany,' he said. At present, thousands of Indian students are awaiting visas to start academic courses in Germany. 'We are very unhappy about the current situation. It is a big concern for us, because we want Indians to get visas smoothly and quickly,' Ackermann said, calling the delays 'heart-breaking'. Divya Singh listed the legal and immigration-related risks of working with such agents: 1. Lack of accreditation or regulation Most agents are not authorised by any academic or immigration body. There is no legal oversight on the services they offer. 2. Misrepresentation and forged documents Some agents submit fake admission letters or altered academic records. Forgery is a criminal offence under Section 267 of the German Criminal Code, with penalties including fines and jail. 3. Visa rejection and deportation Students presenting false papers risk visa refusal or deportation at the border. German immigration officers can detain and return individuals upon arrival. 5. No legal recourse Most such agents do not offer contracts or refunds. Victims of fraud often have no legal remedy. For instance, in mid-2023, Indian students using a consultancy in Punjab were detained at Frankfurt airport. Their admission letters were either fake or from unrecognised institutions. Families had paid between ₹4 and ₹8 lakh each for the process. Students were deported, blacklisted in the Schengen system, and left in debt. What Indian students should do instead Legal experts recommend the following steps: Apply only through official university websites or DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Check that the institution is recognised in official accreditation databases Consult the German Embassy or certified education counsellors Avoid agents who offer job guarantees or 'package deals' 'Unless there is deliberate misbehaviour, most students are unlikely to face criminal charges,' said Khatalawala. 'However, immigration consequences such as non-renewal of residence permits or restrictions on future applications remain serious.'
