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UK-based YouTuber A Rama Nandana, who runs a Youtube channel Nandu’s World, was taken into custody by immigration authorities at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), on Monday, September 7. The Andhra Pradesh Police had issued a lookout circular against her for alleged job and visa fraud.
Nandana’s arrival was flagged by immigration authorities as she landed in Hyderabad from the United Kingdom. She was subsequently taken to the airport’s Outpost police station, where she remained until a police team from Ibrahimpatnam, Andhra Pradesh, reached the airport.
According to police, Nandana and her husband, J Madhukar, are facing allegations of collecting substantial amounts of money from several people by promising to arrange employment opportunities and sponsorships in London. Both Madhukar and Nandana have featured on her YouTube channel that has over 2.8 million subscribers.
The couple, who are originally from Guntur, allegedly approached unemployed individuals with assurances of securing well-paid jobs in the UK. Investigators have received complaints from multiple persons, and cases have reportedly been registered in Ibrahimpatnam and other parts of Andhra Pradesh in connection with the alleged fraud.
Following registration of the cases, authorities issued a lookout circular against Nandana. Immigration officials at RGIA subsequently identified her upon her arrival and detained her before informing the Andhra Pradesh police.
The Ibrahimpatnam police team served Nandana a notice directing her to appear before investigators for questioning in connection with the cases. She is expected to cooperate with the investigation as police examine the allegations against her and her husband.
Investigators are also looking into the total amount allegedly collected from prospective job seekers, the number of people who may have been affected and the manner in which the promised overseas employment and sponsorships were offered.