A case of marriage fraud has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur district, where a woman identified as Yasmeen from Bareilly was arrested after allegedly marrying a Hindu man under the assumed name “Riya Gupta.” Police say the woman concealed her identity, presented forged documents, and entered into the marriage despite already being married and having four children.
The case came to light after the groom, Puneet Kumar, a vegetable vendor from Rampur’s Civil Lines area, filed a complaint alleging that he had been deceived into the marriage. According to police, the woman and two alleged accomplices are suspected of being part of a network that arranges fraudulent marriages in exchange for money.
According to Puneet Kumar, his relatives had been searching for a bride and were introduced to two men identified as Kallu and Ram Singh. The pair allegedly assured the family that they could arrange a suitable match.
Puneet claimed that he was told the prospective bride’s name was “Riya Gupta” and that she was from Haridwar. He further alleged that the intermediaries demanded Rs 1 lakh to facilitate the marriage. After negotiations, the amount was paid and the marriage was solemnized on June 11.
The bride allegedly produced an Aadhaar card bearing the name “Riya Gupta,” which convinced the groom and his family that her identity was genuine.
The complainant stated that the first two days after the wedding passed normally. However, on the third day, the woman reportedly complained of ill health and requested to be taken to a doctor.
Puneet alleged that her behaviour subsequently became suspicious. During this period, police personnel from Dial 112 and Civil Lines Police Station arrived at the residence after being called by the woman herself.
According to the complaint, a verification of her documents revealed that her actual name was Yasmeen and not Riya Gupta. Further inquiries allegedly revealed that she was already married and had children.
Following the discovery, Puneet lodged a complaint against Yasmeen, Kallu, and Ram Singh, accusing them of cheating and fraud.
Investigators claim that the Aadhaar card shown to the groom’s family was forged. Police said another Aadhaar card recovered from the woman’s mobile phone allegedly contained her real identity details.
According to officials, preliminary investigations suggest that the accused may have intended to flee with valuables and jewellery after gaining the family’s trust. However, the alleged plan failed due to the presence of relatives at the house following the wedding ceremonies.
The groom has alleged that the accused admitted she was involved in such activities to support her children, though police have not independently confirmed this claim.
Rampur Additional Superintendent of Police Anurag Singh confirmed that an FIR was registered at Civil Lines Police Station following the complaint.
“An FIR was lodged by a young man who alleged that he married a woman named Riya Gupta. During verification, it was discovered that her real name was Yasmeen. She was already married and had children. Investigation further revealed that the marriage had allegedly been arranged through deception,” the officer said.
Police stated that Yasmeen has been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Authorities are continuing efforts to trace and apprehend the two alleged intermediaries, Kallu and Ram Singh, who are accused of facilitating the marriage in exchange for money.
Officials suspect the case may be linked to a broader marriage fraud racket operating across districts. Investigators are examining financial transactions, identity documents, and the role of other individuals who may have been involved in arranging such marriages.
Police said further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation. The accused have been booked under relevant provisions related to cheating, impersonation, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are also verifying whether similar complaints have been registered against the accused or their associates in other districts of Uttar Pradesh.
