A police complaint has been filed against Askoi Travel Service Pvt Ltd for allegedly scamming Umrah pilgrims.

The company gave the pilgrims a departure date of July 24 and the last information session was scheduled for July 22.

Pilgrims gave their passports to the company after all travel arrangements were confirmed and the departure time was fixed.

But they received sad news on the morning of July 16.

"Some participants of the tour scheduled to depart on July 24 believe that a journey is not safe at the time and wish to travel at a later date (when the Gulf situation improves). Some people might not be able to believe this, but safety is more important," read the message from the company's owner.

His phone has been switched off since then and pilgrims have not been able to reach the company.

While the company blamed the risks of travelling to the Middle East at the time, no such threat exists currently.

Other Umrah companies are also taking a large number of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this July.

A person from Gaaf Dhaal Vaadhoo said 13 members from his family paid a total of MVR 330,000 to the company.

"I know about a family of 28 people who also paid to go with Askoi this time. At least 50 people have paid for the Umrah pilgrimage," he said.

The case has now been reported to the police and the Islamic Ministry is also investigating the matter.

Adhadhu reached out to Askoi for a comment, but the company was not responding.

Last Ramadan, Askoi was fined MVR 130,000 for scamming Umrah pilgrims and taking their money.