Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A gang operating out of Bhopal is allegedly running a fraudulent matrimonial racket, duping poor rural youths from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on the pretext of arranging their marriages.
Disguised as a legitimate matrimonial service, the gang lures unsuspecting men by distributing pamphlets in villages, promising suitable brides in exchange for hefty payments.
Victims are reportedly brought to Bhopal and deceived into paying money, only to be abandoned after the deal is struck.
One such victim, Kalicharan Sen, a resident of PipriKherwa village in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh, has approached police commissioner with a formal complaint, seeking action against the gang.
Kalicharan claimed he had contacted a number printed on a pamphlet that had been circulated in his village in January. He was then called to Bhopal on February 6 and taken to an undisclosed location, where he was introduced to around 15 girls allegedly interested in marriage.
Once a girl agreed to marry him, he was asked to pay ?25,000. His family also gave 3,000 as ‘shagun’ to the girl. However, shortly afterward, the girl refused to proceed with the marriage, and the agents stopped responding to his calls.
Gang follows Modus operandi
The gang follows a specific modus operandi. The pamphlets do not disclose the address of any office. Instead, agents pick up the interested youths from bus stands or railway stations upon their arrival in Bhopal.
During the arranged meetings, the girls shown to prospective grooms do not share their contact details, adding to the deception. Kalicharan also claimed that nearly 60 boys from his village alone have been scammed so far.
The pamphlets falsely claim that the service caters to divorcees, widows and promises free marriages for poor girls.
Investigation has been launched
Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra said that an investigation has been launched based on Kalicharan’s complaint. The accused are being traced using available mobile numbers, and Mishra assured that strict action would be taken against those found involved in the fraud.
