Kerala Police Nab Serial 'Marriage Fraudster' Accused of Preying on Vulnerable Women
In a significant breakthrough, Attingal police on Wednesday apprehended a 60-year-old man accused of orchestrating a disturbing pattern of deception across Kerala. The accused, identified as Babu, also known as Kalyana Raman from Kollam, is alleged to have married multiple women in different parts of the state only to commit thefts after gaining their trust.
Widespread Criminal Network Uncovered
Police authorities revealed that more than 50 separate cases have been registered against the accused at various police stations spanning from Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram district to the northern district of Kasaragod. This extensive geographical spread indicates a calculated criminal operation that targeted vulnerable women across Kerala's diverse regions.
According to investigative sources, Babu specifically targeted widows and women experiencing difficulties in their marital lives. His modus operandi involved approaching these vulnerable individuals, gradually earning their confidence through calculated interactions, and eventually proposing marriage.
Elaborate Deception Strategy Revealed
The accused would typically rent houses in new areas by falsely claiming to have secured employment nearby. After establishing residence with his new partners, he would systematically identify neighboring properties that presented easy targets for burglary. Police allege that he would execute these thefts before abruptly disappearing, leaving behind both emotional and financial devastation.
"He had been absconding for a considerable period and was actively sought in connection with multiple theft cases," confirmed a police official. One particularly notable case involves the theft of a valuable seven-sovereign gold necklace from an elderly woman in Thiruvananthapuram, highlighting the brazen nature of his alleged crimes.
Coordinated Police Operation Leads to Arrest
The breakthrough came when Attingal police received credible intelligence indicating that Babu had been residing with a woman in Nileshwar, Kasaragod. Investigators meticulously tracked his movements and discovered he had recently checked into a lodge situated near the Attingal KSRTC bus stand.
Following his apprehension, police formally handed over the accused to Fort police station, where he remains wanted in connection with additional theft cases. Authorities have indicated that the actual number of victims might substantially exceed the currently registered cases.
Potential for More Unreported Cases
A police source involved in the investigation stated, "Investigators strongly suspect that numerous similar incidents may have gone unreported across different districts. We are currently examining complaints from various regions and systematically verifying whether these separate incidents can be conclusively linked to the same accused individual."
This development underscores the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities. Police have encouraged anyone with potentially related information to come forward as they continue to unravel the full extent of this criminal network that exploited emotional vulnerability for material gain.
