Inter-state matrimonial fraud racket busted, 2 held

Raipur police have busted an inter-state matrimonial fraud racket involving alleged targeting of women through the matrimonial portal Jeevansathi.com, drugging victims, and stealing valuables worth lakhs of rupees. Two accused were arrested in coordinated raids conducted in Delhi and Uttarakhand by a joint team of the Anti-Crime and Cyber Unit and Raipur police.

The prime accused, Abhinav Singh, was arrested from Paharganj in Delhi, while his associate, Hitin Narula, was apprehended from Haridwar. Police said Singh used forged identity documents and fake profiles to gain the trust of women on matrimonial platforms before committing thefts.

Police said Singh contacted nearly 100 women through Jeevansathi.com in the past month and those interactions are being examined to identify additional victims. During interrogation, Singh allegedly confessed to at least six similar offences across different states. Police also said he has prior criminal records related to fraud and vehicle theft in Delhi and Uttarakhand.

The arrests followed a complaint filed at Khamardih police station by a woman who said she met Singh through the matrimonial website about four months ago. According to the complaint, Singh visited her home on May 15 on the pretext of celebrating her birthday. During lunch, he allegedly re-cooked a chicken dish claiming it was undercooked and mixed a sedative into the food.

The complainant said she lost consciousness after eating. Her roommate found her unresponsive around 6 pm. When she regained consciousness the next morning, she found her gold chain, two rings, and other gold and silver ornaments kept in a wardrobe locker missing. Singh had fled and his phone was switched off.

Police registered a case under Sections 305(A) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Using technical analysis of the matrimonial profile and mobile phone data, investigators traced Narula to Haridwar, and his questioning led police to Singh in Delhi. Police said Narula allegedly waited at a railway station while Singh carried out the theft and helped facilitate their escape.

Police said they recovered ₹57,000 in cash, gold jewellery weighing about two tolas, a silver bracelet, and five mobile phones, collectively valued at around ₹4.21 lakh.

Raipur police advised citizens to exercise caution while interacting with individuals on matrimonial platforms and asked anyone who may have been targeted or has information to contact the Raipur Police Control Room at 94791-91099.