A 36-year-old divorced woman was allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulted and cheated of Rs 41 lakh by a man who posed as a millionaire on a matrimonial site in Maharashtra, police said.
Accused Gained Trust by Promising Marriage
The accused, identified as a resident of Maharashtra, gained the victim's trust by promising marriage and accepting her child. According to police officials, the woman was looking for a partner on a matrimonial website when she came across the man's profile, which claimed he was a millionaire. After initial conversations, the man proposed marriage and convinced the woman of his sincerity.
The accused allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulted her at hotels in Panvel in Navi Mumbai and at her home in Kalyan. The incidents occurred over several months, during which the man also extracted money from her under various pretexts.
Victim Duped of Rs 41 Lakh
In addition to the sexual assault, the man cheated the woman of Rs 41 lakh. He allegedly asked for money for business expenses, medical emergencies, and other fabricated reasons. The victim, believing his promises of marriage, transferred funds to his accounts. When she demanded repayment or marriage, the accused threatened her and stopped responding.
The woman finally approached the police after realizing she had been defrauded. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape and cheating. Police are investigating the matter and searching for the accused.
Police Investigation Underway
Senior police inspector of Kalyan police station said, "We have registered a case based on the victim's complaint. The accused is absconding, and we are trying to trace him. We urge women to be cautious while interacting on matrimonial sites and verify the credentials of prospective matches."
The incident highlights the risks of online matrimonial platforms, where fraudsters often create fake profiles to exploit vulnerable individuals. Authorities advise users to report suspicious profiles and avoid sharing personal or financial information until trust is established.
