Pune Private Hajj Quota Scam: Pilgrims Duped of Rs 160 Crore, Community Warns Against Private Operators
Pune, 8th September 2025: Hundreds of Pune residents who had saved for years to fulfill their dream of performing Hajj in 2025 are still waiting for refunds after private Hajj operators failed to deliver on their promises.
Pilgrims had paid ₹8–10 lakh per person, or ₹16–18 lakh per couple, to private tour operators for what was advertised as a deluxe Hajj package. However, when Saudi Arabia slashed 80% of India’s private Hajj quota in April 2025 due to operators missing deadlines on the Nusuk portal, over ₹160 crore remained stuck with these companies. Till date, no refund process has been initiated.
As a result, more than 2,000 affected pilgrims—including some selected under the government quota for Hajj 2026—say they are unable to pay the second installment for the upcoming pilgrimage because their earlier payments have not been returned.
Silence and Betrayal
Victims allege that most operators have gone silent—ignoring calls, giving false assurances, or claiming they are in Mecca. Many have branded this as “organized fraud” and “systemic betrayal” of faith and finances.
Activists Step In
Civic activists such as Jaymala Dhankikar and Saleem Mulla have taken up the issue, supporting complaints filed with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). They have demanded intervention by the CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department, and police to investigate what they call a multi-crore faith-based financial scam.
The activists and victims have demanded:
Immediate criminal investigations, including FIRs and seizure of assets
Transparent publication of private Hajj quota allotments
Revocation of licenses and blacklisting of defaulting operators
Structured refund deadlines with government monitoring
Why Pilgrims Are Urged to Avoid Private Operators
According to victim groups, private operators exploit loopholes and lack of oversight. Key concerns include:
No accountability: Payments often taken in cash with minimal receipts
Ethical betrayal: Pilgrims’ spiritual aspirations converted into financial stress
Unregulated system: No escrow accounts, refund guarantees, or regulatory safeguards
Repeat risks: Applicants for Hajj 2026 may face the same fate if they rely on private agencies
Warning to the Community
In a joint statement, the Pune chapter of victims of private Hajj operators appealed to fellow believers to exercise caution:
“These operators have exploited our faith, misused our life savings, and left thousands of families stranded. They operate in the shadows—cash-only, no paperwork, and no refunds. Do not become the next victim.”
They urged pilgrims to opt only for the government-approved Hajj Committee route, which offers documentation, transparency, and accountability.
