Palghar Dating App Scam: Women Used Sleeping Pills to Rob Men
Police in Palghar district have made a significant breakthrough by arresting two women who allegedly targeted male victims through dating applications. The accused reportedly lured men into meetings before administering sleeping pills and stealing their valuable possessions.
Modus Operandi: From Dating Apps to Drugging
The investigation revealed that the duo systematically contacted men through various online dating platforms. After establishing contact, they would arrange personal meetings, often at local lodges. During these encounters, they secretly administered sleeping pills to their victims before making off with their cash, jewelry, and electronic devices.
The case came to light following a complaint filed by a 31-year-old man from Virar West who fell victim to this scheme on November 22. The victim reported being robbed of his 20-gram gold chain, mobile phone, and smart watch during a lodge meeting. The total value of his stolen items amounted to approximately ₹1.8 lakh.
Police Investigation and Recovery
Officials from Mandvi police station conducted a thorough investigation that led to the arrest of both suspects. During the operation, police successfully recovered stolen property valued at ₹4 lakh from the accused women.
Investigators noted that the women employed several tactics to avoid detection, including regularly deleting their dating app profiles, providing unclear identification documents and incorrect phone numbers at lodges, and avoiding digital payment methods that could leave financial trails.
Both accused women are in their late twenties, with one hailing from Malvani in north Mumbai and the other being a Himachal Pradesh native currently residing in Mumbai. Authorities have discovered that the duo faces similar charges registered at the Kashimira police station.
The police have formally charged both women under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for theft and causing hurt by means of poison with intent to commit an offence. This case serves as a crucial warning about the potential dangers of online dating and the importance of exercising caution when meeting strangers through digital platforms.
