Hyderabad Software Engineer Defrauded of Rs 1.3 Crore in Elaborate Matrimonial Scam
A 36-year-old software engineer from Kondapur, Hyderabad, has fallen victim to a devastating online matrimonial scam, losing a staggering Rs 1.3 crore to a man who posed as a prospective groom. The accused, who presented himself as a businessman from Bengaluru, systematically extracted money under false pretenses over several months before cutting off all contact.
How the Scam Unfolded: A Timeline of Deception
The victim created her profile on a popular matrimonial application on April 10, 2023. She first came into contact with the accused on December 20 of the same year. Introducing himself as Kolikapudy Nagendrababu, also known as Surya Parvathaneni, he claimed to be a businessman based in Bengaluru and stated that both his parents were deceased.
Building Trust Through Communication
Through frequent conversations conducted primarily in Telugu, the accused managed to gain the woman's trust without meeting her in person initially. This digital rapport laid the groundwork for the subsequent financial exploitation.
The Financial Drain: From Savings to Loans
The first financial transaction occurred on December 27, 2023, when the victim transferred Rs 2 lakh to the accused. Shortly after this transfer, she met him briefly near the Gachibowli Outer Ring Road entrance—their only in-person encounter.
"He kept citing various emergencies including accidents, illnesses, deaths in the family, and business losses," the victim told police investigators. "He consistently assured me that he would marry me once these situations were resolved."
Over time, the victim exhausted her entire life savings of Rs 50 lakh. As the demands continued, she resorted to taking out loans, maxing out credit cards, and borrowing from loan applications to meet his persistent requests for money.
Total Loss and Discovery
"In total, I gave him approximately Rs 1.3 crore," she revealed. "Initially, he paid some interest on the amounts, but eventually he stopped all payments and severed all communication."
The devastating truth emerged when the victim discovered that the accused was already married with three children. Further investigation revealed that he had allegedly defrauded multiple women using similar tactics.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Following the victim's formal complaint, Hyderabad police registered a case against the accused under multiple legal provisions:
- Indian Penal Code Section 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property)
- Information Technology Act Section 66-D (Punishment for cheating by personation using computer resource)
Police officials confirmed that the accused is a repeat offender who was recently arrested in a similar case. He will be taken into custody for detailed questioning regarding this latest incident.
Police Advisory for Online Safety
Investigating officers have issued a stern warning to citizens using matrimonial and dating platforms:
- Always verify the identity of individuals met online through multiple sources
- Exercise extreme caution when sharing personal or financial information
- Avoid sending money to strangers under any circumstances
- Report suspicious behavior to platform administrators immediately
- Consult with family or friends before making significant commitments to online acquaintances
This case highlights the growing sophistication of online financial scams targeting vulnerable individuals seeking companionship through digital platforms. The substantial financial loss—Rs 1.3 crore—represents one of the larger matrimonial fraud cases reported in recent Hyderabad police records.
Authorities emphasize that while digital platforms offer convenience in meeting potential partners, users must maintain vigilance and employ basic verification practices to protect themselves from financial and emotional exploitation.
