Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Hazel Fernandes, arrested in connection with an alleged overseas recruitment scam involving a promise of employment in Norway, has secured bail from the Margao Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court after six days in police custody.
The complaint, filed by a man from Dharwad in Karnataka, alleges that Fernandes collected ₹3.50 lakh from him after promising to arrange a job in Norway. The alleged transaction took place in June 2023 at Navelim, Salcete.
According to the complainant, Fernandes, who resides at Borda in Margao, introduced herself as an authorised overseas recruitment agent and accepted the money in cash. However, the promised employment did not materialise, and the complainant alleged that his money was also not refunded. He further claimed that she eventually stopped responding to his communications.
Margao Town Police traced Fernandes using technical surveillance and arrested her at Mangaluru Junction Railway Station on October 30, 2026, with assistance from Kankanady Police. She was later brought to Goa on transit remand for investigation.
The bail application was opposed by the prosecution and the complainant, who participated in the proceedings as an intervener. They alleged that Fernandes had previous criminal antecedents and was trying to escape from Goa when apprehended.
They also argued that her continued custody was necessary to investigate her workplace, establish the movement of the alleged fraud proceeds, examine possible links with overseas recruitment networks and ascertain whether additional persons had been cheated.
However, defence advocate Savio Noronha questioned the prosecution’s version and highlighted that the complaint was lodged in October 2026 over an alleged incident dating back to June 2023. He argued that the delay of more than three years had not been adequately explained.
The defence also contested the claim that Fernandes was absconding. Railway booking details and SMS records were produced before the court to support the contention that she was already on her way back to Margao when police intercepted her at Mangaluru.
In its order, the court observed that the substantial delay in lodging the complaint was a relevant circumstance, though it could not independently determine whether bail should be granted.
The JMFC further noted that the investigation mainly involved examination of documents and financial transactions. Having undergone six days of custodial interrogation, the accused had already been available to police for the necessary questioning.
The court also considered the defence submissions regarding her return journey to Goa, her participation in other ongoing court proceedings and the fact that no non-bailable warrants were pending against her.
It held that apprehensions about her possibly influencing witnesses, committing further offences or avoiding investigation could be addressed by imposing suitable bail restrictions.
Accordingly, the court allowed her application and directed her release on a personal bond of ₹25,000 with one surety for the same amount.
