Cyber Crime Police arrest prime accused in ₹25 lakh matrimonial fraud
Hyderabad: Cyber Crime Police arrested three persons in a matrimonial fraud case in which an unmarried man was cheated of ₹25 lakh. The accused allegedly posed as prospective brides and collected money under false pretexts.
The arrested persons are Aneesa Mohmadyaseen Hundekar (33) of Bijapur, Karnataka, and Mohammed Abdul Aamer (31) of Hyderabad. Another accused, Zohar Fathima (24) of Bijapur, is absconding.
Victim lured through Instagram account
Police said the complainant came across an Instagram account named khoobsurat.rishte in March 2023 and contacted the number shared there. A woman, using photographs of Pakistani YouTube influencer Parwsha Shah, interacted with him through calls and video chats, claiming she wished to marry him.
She later demanded money citing emergencies, health issues and family needs. Believing her, the complainant transferred ₹25 lakh to accounts provided by the accused. When he discovered the fraud, he lodged a complaint.
Based on his statement, a case was registered under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act and Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Fake matrimonial network exposed
Investigation revealed that the accused had created fake profiles on WhatsApp groups and Instagram, using edited photos and videos of women. They initiated conversations, gained trust through video calls and then collected money under fabricated pretexts.
Ameer provided his accounts for the transfers. Police seized two mobile phones, a tablet, a laptop, five bank passbooks, three cheque books and three debit cards used in the fraud.
The operation was led by Inspector K Prasada Rao with a team including Sub-Inspector A Uma, Head Constable PV Srinivas, and constables Fouziya Begum, S Srinivasa Reddy, H Shekar and J Venkatesh, under the supervision of ACP R G Siva Maruthi.
Advisory to public
Police urged citizens to be alert while using online matrimonial services. Warning signs include avoidance of in-person meetings, financial requests, quick romantic advances, inconsistent stories and pressure to commit.
They advised the public not to share financial details, to involve family in discussions, and to verify the authenticity of matches. Victims of cyber fraud can dial 1930 or report at cybercrime.gov.in.
