As Gujarat prepares for the Navratri celebrations, several social media accounts have started sharing advertisements offering people the option of hiring a garba partner for fixed periods.
The posts offer three packages. The Silver package costs Rs 1,000 for two hours, the Gold package is priced at Rs 1,500 for four hours, while the Platinum package costs Rs 2,000 for the entire night.
Some advertisements also claim to offer additional services such as matching outfits, garba lessons and selfies with the hired partner.
The unusual advertisements gained attention online as preparations for large-scale Navratri celebrations gathered pace across Gujarat.
Cyber crime cell tracking posts
Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Cell ACP Hardik Mandakia said police have been monitoring such posts for the past five to six days.
According to Mandakia, the trend initially appeared through a limited number of social media accounts. Some users then shared the posts further, increasing their reach across social media platforms.
Police later noticed similar advertisements appearing from multiple accounts.
Mandakia also said that some of the content appeared to have been created using artificial intelligence, raising concerns about the authenticity of the profiles and offers.
Police warn users against making payments
The Cyber Crime Cell has advised people not to transfer money to strangers based only on social media advertisements.
Police warned that users could lose money if they make payments to accounts without first verifying the identity of the person offering the service.
Officials have also advised users to avoid sharing sensitive personal information with unknown profiles.
Anyone who has already transferred money after responding to such an advertisement has been advised to approach the cyber police for assistance.
The warning comes ahead of Navratri, when garba events attract large crowds across Gujarat and social media activity related to events, meet-ups and celebrations increases.
Police have urged users to verify the identity and authenticity of individuals offering such services before making payments or sharing personal details online.
