A marriage that was supposed to bring happiness to a farmer's family in Mahisagar district turned into a financial nightmare when the bride allegedly vanished with cash and gold ornaments worth over Rs 5 lakh, just four days after the wedding. Police suspect the involvement of an organized gang that targets families seeking brides and disappears soon after the marriage ceremony.
Complaint Details
According to the complaint filed by Suresh Patel, a farmer from Kharol village in Kothamba taluka, he had been searching for a suitable match for his son, Virat Patel. He approached a marriage broker named Natu Gohil from Anand, who introduced the family to a young woman identified as Reshma Gajera and her parents. The family claimed to reside in the Gorwa area of Vadodara city.
After several meetings, the alliance was finalized, and the couple got married at a temple in Kharol village on April 14. Patel alleged that before the wedding, he paid Rs 2 lakh in cash to the bride's family and purchased gold ornaments worth Rs 3.27 lakh for the bride.
Disappearance
Just four days into the marriage, Reshma's parents informed the family that a relative's wedding was taking place in Dabhoi and requested permission for their daughter to attend. Wearing all the gold jewellery gifted to her at the wedding, she left her matrimonial home. Days passed, but the bride never returned.
When the family tried to call her, her phone was switched off. Calls to her parents also went unanswered. Growing suspicious, Patel traveled to the address provided by the family in Gorwa. There, he found the house locked, and neighbors informed him that the occupants had left the area. His attempts to contact the marriage broker also proved futile as the latter's phone was switched off.
Police Investigation
Realizing that he had been cheated, Patel approached Kothamba police and lodged a complaint. Police have launched an investigation and are searching for the accused. Investigators suspect the group may have duped several other families using a similar modus operandi and are probing whether an organized gang is involved.
The case highlights the vulnerability of families in rural areas who rely on marriage brokers for alliances. Police urge anyone with information to come forward.
