Accused allegedly used fake identities on Jeevansathi.com, drugged women and decamped with valuables
Raipur:
Raipur police have busted an inter-state matrimonial fraud racket and arrested two accused who allegedly targeted women through the matrimonial portal Jeevansathi.com, drugged them, and stole valuables worth lakhs of rupees. The arrests were made following coordinated raids in Delhi and Uttarakhand by a joint team of the Anti-Crime and Cyber Unit and Khamardih police.
The prime accused, Abhinav Singh, was apprehended from Paharganj, Delhi, while his associate, Hitin Narula, was arrested from Haridwar. Police said Singh used forged identity documents and fake profiles to gain the trust of women on matrimonial platforms before executing the thefts.
Investigators revealed that Singh had contacted nearly 100 women through Jeevansathi.com over the past month alone. Police are examining these contacts to ascertain whether more victims were targeted. During interrogation, Singh allegedly confessed to at least six similar offences committed in different states. He is also a repeat offender with previous criminal records related to fraud and vehicle theft in Delhi and Uttarakhand.
The arrests stemmed from a complaint lodged by a woman at Khamardih police station. According to the complaint, she had come in contact with Singh through the matrimonial website four months earlier. On May 15, Singh visited her residence on the pretext of celebrating her birthday. During lunch, he reportedly re-cooked a chicken dish, claiming it was undercooked, and allegedly mixed a sedative into the food.
The woman lost consciousness shortly after consuming the meal. Her roommate found her unresponsive around 6 pm and, upon regaining consciousness the next morning, the victim discovered that her gold chain, two rings, and other gold and silver ornaments kept in a wardrobe locker were missing. Singh had fled and his mobile phone was switched off.
Based on the complaint, 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. His questioning subsequently led police to Singh in Delhi. Police said Narula’s role was to wait at a railway station while Singh carried out the theft, helping facilitate their escape afterward.
The police recovered ₹57,000 in cash, gold jewellery weighing about two tolas, a silver bracelet, and five mobile phones, collectively valued at approximately ₹4.21 lakh.
Raipur police have urged citizens to exercise caution while interacting with individuals on matrimonial platforms. Anyone who may have been targeted by the gang or possesses relevant information has been asked to contact the Raipur Police Control Room at 94791-91099.
