Auckland (Avneet Kaur) An Indian man who recently made headlines after reportedly being stranded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for nearly two weeks is now facing serious allegations from a New Zealand-based Punjabi man, who claims he was emotionally manipulated and cheated out of nearly NZ$70,000.
According to an exclusive interview given to NZ Punjabi News, a man identified as Joginder Singh (name changed to protect identity) alleged that Akash Pushkarna repeatedly used emotional stories, fake promises and fabricated emergencies to seek money from him.
Joginder claimed he first met Akash in Christchurch in 2018 through a mutual friend. He said Akash was then working as a wood machine operator and had suffered an injury to his hand while on the job. According to Joginder, Akash received ACC support and financial assistance from his employer for several months before eventually being told to look for another job.
He further alleged that between 2018 and 2024, Akash worked on a farm where he again suffered severe health issues, including injuries to his waist and leg. Joginder claimed Akash’s condition had become extremely poor, with swelling and infections in his leg.
The New Zealand-based man said Akash contacted him from the airport in November 2024 in a helpless condition, claiming he had nowhere to go, no proper documents, and had even been thrown out of his Christchurch accommodation because he could not pay rent. Joginder alleged that Akash arrived wearing only slippers and no proper shoes, emotionally pleading for help.
Out of sympathy, Joginder said he brought him home, paid for his treatment and tried to support him financially. However, he now believes he was repeatedly deceived.
He alleged that at the time, Akash’s visa was close to expiry and he was already on an emergency stay visa. Because of this, he reportedly struggled to find legal work and later applied for asylum in New Zealand in 2024. Joginder claimed Akash often told him he was fighting a legal case against a former farm employer and would eventually receive compensation worth between NZ$800,000 and NZ$900,000 for alleged mistreatment and harassment.
Joginder further claimed Akash stayed at a police safe house for several months before allegedly presenting him with what appeared to be emergency travel documents and falsely claiming that he had obtained citizenship and that his IRD details had been activated for work opportunities in Papamoa’s kiwifruit sector.
According to Joginder, he personally dropped Akash in Papamoa in November 2025. However, he alleged the requests for money continued, with Akash frequently claiming that his father was critically ill in India, admitted to DMC Ludhiana, or that urgent funds were needed for his sister’s education and legal matters.
Joginder alleged that between December 2025 and February 2026 alone, he transferred nearly NZ$70,000 to Akash (the screenshots of his chat and transaction records have been shared with NZ Punjabi News as evidence).
He further alleged that during their last conversation on May 12, 2026, Akash claimed he was jailed in Malaysia and urgently needed another NZ$975 for a lawyer to secure his release.
Joginder claimed that when he confronted him about the alleged deception, Akash admitted he may have lost his asylum case and fled New Zealand fearing deportation. He also alleged that Akash hinted he may have emotionally manipulated several other people in a similar way.
He further alleged that Akash’s family may also be involved in the entire matter and claimed that India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was now reportedly verifying details surrounding his case after questions emerged over claims that he had been denied entry into India. Joginder alleged that Akash never actually entered India and continued misleading people about his whereabouts. Meanwhile, NZ Punjabi News repeatedly attempted to contact Akash Pushkarna for his response, however, he did not respond to calls or messages.
