The lifetime ban imposed by the Chennai US Consulate on nearly two hundred film personalities is not only a big blow, but also a black eye to our showmen. It has now been made clear that the massive Visa Fraud involving members of the South Indian Film Industry came to light as early as in May 2007.

We know that many people who do not know English and who are not aware of the visa procedures are taken for a ride by the unscrupulous, self-styled visa agents. They might have been asked to create false documents.

However, in this case, film personalities are involved. They knew what they were doing. And so, there was a guilty mind, mens rea � a deliberate intention to cheat. Many who went through the questionable path, could have easily got the visas had they taken the royal, honest route.

The Investigation should immediately find out who the ringleaders are, behind this dupery. The US Consul has said that according to their rules, the names of those involved in this Fraud cannot be revealed by them to the public. The US consulate has forwarded these names and the details to the City Police. The police should, in all fairness come out with the names and the Film organisations like the SIFCC and the SIFAA should take action against their members who have brought disgrace and discredit to the entire film world.