A 35-year-old woman working for an insurance company in Ahmedabad was allegedly duped of Rs 79,700 by a man who posed as a police sub-inspector on a dating application and promised to marry her. The incident came to light after the victim filed a complaint with the Navrangpura police.
How the Fraud Unfolded
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the woman had created an account on a dating app to find a suitable life partner. On May 11, she received a match request from a person identifying himself as Rocky Panchal. His profile featured photographs in police uniform, and his Instagram profile described him as a "crime branch cybersecurity officer."
The accused contacted the woman through text messages, audio calls, and video calls over the next few days. Claiming to be a sub-inspector with Gujarat Police, he allegedly gained her trust by repeatedly discussing marriage. On May 16, he met her at her residence.
The Money Demand
During the meeting, the accused told the woman that construction work was underway at his home in Satellite and that he urgently needed money to pay a contractor. He claimed he was short of funds and requested Rs 79,700, assuring her he would return the amount the next day because his UPI transaction limit had been exhausted. Believing his claims, the woman transferred the money through UPI to a mobile number provided by him.
The next day, the accused allegedly called her to a hotel near Vaishnodevi Circle. Later that night, he sought another Rs 60,000 for purchasing mobile phones for "official work" and also asked for her Aadhaar and PAN details.
Victim Grows Suspicious
The woman grew suspicious and refused to share documents or transfer more money. Upon making inquiries, she discovered that the man was not a police officer. Navrangpura police registered a case of cheating and impersonation against the accused and began an investigation.
Authorities urge the public to verify identities thoroughly before sharing personal information or transferring money to individuals met online, especially those claiming to be government officials.
