Interstate Marriage Racket Busted in Rajasthan, Fugitive Arrested After Years
In a significant crackdown, the crime branch of Jaipur police arrested a fugitive accused of orchestrating a widespread interstate marriage racket on Wednesday. The operation targeted a network that trafficked girls and women while extorting substantial sums of money from men across western Rajasthan.
Accused Identified as Bhanwarlal Sharma
Police have identified the arrested individual as Bhanwarlal Sharma, who allegedly ran an organized criminal network for several years. According to authorities, Sharma exploited economically vulnerable girls from states including West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. These victims were lured to Rajasthan under false promises of marriage or employment opportunities.
Modus Operandi of the Racket
The racket operated by arranging marriages between the trafficked girls and men in the border districts of western Rajasthan. In exchange for these unions, the gang collected large sums of money from the men. After a brief period, the network would then extort additional funds by threatening to implicate the husbands in false rape cases, creating a cycle of fear and financial exploitation.
Long Criminal History and Multiple Cases
Police records reveal that Bhanwarlal Sharma has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2005. Cases are registered against him at multiple police stations, including Sanganer Sadar, Sadar Jaipur, Shyam Nagar, Gandhi Nagar Ajmer, Kekri City, and Gida (Balotra). The charges against him encompass a range of serious offences such as kidnapping, extortion, fraud, and violations under the Arms Act.
Police Efforts and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest marks a crucial step in dismantling this interstate racket, which had been operational for years. Jaipur police have emphasized their commitment to tackling organized crime and protecting vulnerable populations. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further details and potentially apprehend other members of the network involved in this illicit activity.
