Bhopal Woman Falls Victim to Matrimonial App Scam by Impersonator Posing as Paramilitary Jawan
In a distressing incident highlighting the risks of online dating platforms, a 27-year-old woman from Bhopal has filed a police complaint after being allegedly duped of Rs 1.20 lakh and gold jewellery by a man she met on a matrimonial app. The accused, who remains unidentified, posed as a jawan serving in a paramilitary force, exploiting the victim's trust in a elaborate scheme that culminated in financial and emotional loss.
How the Scam Unfolded: A Tale of Deception and Broken Promises
The woman first connected with the accused several months ago through the matrimonial application, where he introduced himself as a paramilitary force personnel. Building a rapport, he allegedly promised to marry her, weaving a web of lies to gain her confidence. According to police reports, the man claimed he was being transferred to the challenging Siachen posting and, in a desperate move, shot himself in the hand to avoid the assignment.
He further narrated that his organisation suspended him for six months and levied a substantial fine as punishment. Using this fabricated story as a pretext, he appealed to the woman for financial assistance to settle the penalty. Trusting his words, the victim transferred Rs 1.20 lakh to his bank account, treating it as a one-month loan with the expectation of repayment.
The Escalation: From Delhi Trip to Gold Chain Theft
When the month elapsed and the woman requested her money back, the accused directed her to travel to Delhi to collect the amount. Complying, she made the journey, only to be met with further deceit. Instead of returning the funds, he assured her he would visit Bhopal to repay the loan personally. During this encounter, he also allegedly took her gold chain, advising her against wearing jewellery while travelling for safety reasons.
Upon returning to Bhopal, the woman attempted repeatedly to contact the man, but all efforts proved futile as he became unresponsive. Left with no recourse, she approached the local police, leading to the registration of a formal case under charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust against the unidentified accused.
Police Investigation and Broader Implications
Law enforcement officials have confirmed the details of the complaint, noting that the woman's ordeal underscores the vulnerabilities associated with online interactions, particularly on platforms designed for personal relationships. The case serves as a stark reminder for users to exercise caution and verify identities before engaging in financial transactions or sharing personal assets.
Authorities are now actively investigating the matter, aiming to trace the accused and recover the stolen money and jewellery. This incident adds to a growing number of similar frauds reported across India, where impostors exploit emotional connections to perpetrate financial crimes, urging heightened vigilance in the digital age.
