Chennai Police Launch Manhunt for Impersonator in Elaborate Marriage Scam
In a shocking case of deception, police in Chennai are intensively searching for a man who allegedly posed as an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, married a woman under false pretenses, and subsequently absconded with a substantial amount of gold jewellery and cash. The incident, which has left the victim's family devastated, unfolded in the Pallavaram area, highlighting vulnerabilities in online matrimonial platforms.
Victim's Background and Initial Contact
The victim, identified as Gowri, aged 33 and a resident of Anakaputhur, is a divorcee seeking a second marriage. Her father had registered her details on a matrimonial website, hoping to find a suitable match. In response, a man named Ramesh, 39, contacted Gowri over the phone. He introduced himself as an IRS officer, specifically claiming to hold the position of deputy commissioner in the customs department in Chennai. To gain sympathy and trust, Ramesh also falsely stated that he was an orphan, weaving a narrative that appealed to the family's emotions.
Marriage and Subsequent Disappearance
Believing his fabricated story, Gowri's family agreed to the alliance, and the couple proceeded to get married on June 6 last year. They have since welcomed a baby boy into their family. However, the situation took a drastic turn on March 2, when Ramesh informed Gowri that he needed to travel to Bengaluru and Allahabad for official meetings. He failed to return, even missing their child's naming ceremony on March 8. When Gowri attempted to contact him, his phone was switched off, prompting immediate suspicion and concern.
Unraveling the Deception
Upon conducting inquiries, Gowri discovered that Ramesh had made numerous false claims about his background. He had previously asserted that he worked as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in Assam, where he suffered a bullet injury to his leg during riots, forcing him to leave that role. He then allegedly cleared the IRS examination and joined the customs department, a story that police have confirmed as entirely fabricated. This elaborate lie was part of a calculated scheme to exploit the victim's trust.
Theft and Financial Exploitation
Police investigations reveal that Ramesh exploited his fake identity to commit significant theft. He took 30 sovereigns of gold jewellery from Gowri, along with 7 lakh in cash from her relatives, under the pretext of purchasing gold and mobile phones at discounted rates through his supposed connections in the customs department. Additionally, he reportedly collected approximately 20 lakh from several individuals by promising to secure government jobs for them, leveraging his impersonated authority to lure victims into his scam.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Gowri has lodged a formal complaint with the authorities, and the Sankar Nagar police are actively searching for Ramesh. The case underscores the risks associated with online matrimonial services and the importance of verifying identities before committing to personal relationships. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent similar frauds in the future.
Key Points of the Case:
- Victim: Gowri, 33, a divorcee from Anakaputhur.
- Accused: Ramesh, 39, impersonated an IRS officer.
- Marriage Date: June 6 last year.
- Theft: 30 sovereigns of gold jewellery and 27 lakh in cash.
- Current Status: Police investigation underway, suspect at large.
