A young woman's search for companionship on a dating app has turned into a nightmare, leading to a formal police complaint in Kochi. The incident highlights the potential dangers of online relationships turning fraudulent.
From Dating App to Deception: The Unfolding of Events
The complainant, a 23-year-old woman originally from Kolkata, met a man through a popular dating application in April. Following their connection online, she relocated from Bengaluru to Kochi to be with him. The couple then moved in together, residing for several months in an apartment located in Aluva. Trusting her partner, the woman kept her personal valuables, including jewellery and a significant amount of money, at their shared residence.
The Disappearance and the Discovery
According to the complaint filed with the Nedumbassery police, the situation began to unravel when the man's family reportedly expressed disapproval of their relationship. In November, the man travelled to Kashmir, assuring her he would persuade his parents and return within a week. He simultaneously sent the woman back to her family home in Kolkata.
Once she was away, he started distancing himself. He eventually suggested ending their relationship, citing his family's continued opposition. When the woman insisted on resolving matters, they allegedly agreed to reunite in Kochi. However, upon her return, she was unable to locate him. This prompted her to seek help from the authorities.
The police accompanied her to the Aluva apartment, which they found locked. After gaining access, they made a distressing discovery: the money and jewellery she had stored there were missing. The man, identified as an employee of a private bank in Aluva, was nowhere to be found.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
The Nedumbassery police have registered a formal case based on the woman's allegations. The complaint, filed approximately a week ago, accuses the man of cheating and absconding with her valuables. Investigators confirmed that the accused has not yet been traced, and efforts to locate him are actively ongoing.
This case serves as a stark reminder for individuals engaging in relationships initiated online to exercise caution, especially when it involves financial trust or relocating. While police pursue the accused, the victim is left to deal with the emotional and material fallout of the alleged betrayal.
