According to police, the accused posed as a wealthy hotelier and civil engineer on a matrimonial platform to attract potential victims. Using the fabricated profile, he allegedly befriended a 36-year-old divorcee from Kalyan East in Thane district and gained her trust by promising marriage.
Investigators said the accused also assured the woman that he would accept and care for her child, further strengthening the relationship and earning her confidence.
Police said that after gaining the woman’s trust, the accused allegedly sexually assaulted her multiple times. The incidents reportedly took place at hotels in Panvel, Navi Mumbai, as well as at the woman’s residence in Kalyan.
The woman later approached police, alleging that the accused had deceived her with false promises of marriage while exploiting her emotionally and financially.
The FIR states that the accused allegedly cheated the woman of Rs 41.25 lakh. Investigators said he persuaded her to part with large sums of money during the course of their relationship.
Police further alleged that the accused forged documents to sell one of the woman’s cars without her knowledge and unlawfully took possession of another vehicle.
The financial losses suffered by the complainant are estimated to exceed Rs 41 lakh.
Investigators believe the accused may have used the same strategy to target other women through matrimonial platforms.
A police official said efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused. Authorities are also examining his online activities and past interactions to determine whether additional victims may have been defrauded in a similar manner.
The case has once again highlighted the risks associated with online matrimonial frauds, with police urging users to verify personal and financial claims before entering into relationships through digital platforms.
A case has been registered against the accused, and further investigation is in progress. Police are gathering digital evidence, financial records and other documents to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud and sexual exploitation.
