Ghazipur Matrimonial Fraud Ring Busted: Two Women Arrested

A gang operating in Ghazipur, India, was dismantled after two women were caught attempting to defraud individuals under the guise of arranging a marriage. The incident unfolded on the evening of Saturday, March 16, 2024, when the victims, suspicious of their situation, drove the women to the Mirzamurad police station for assistance.

According to Mirzamurad police station officer Pramod Pandey, a formal complaint was lodged by Bhanu Jaga, a resident of Rajgarh in Alwar district, Rajasthan. The complaint led to the arrest of Puja, who posed as the bride, and her accomplice, Kiran. Two additional suspects, Nisha and Nandlal, managed to evade capture.

The fraudulent scheme began when Jaga’s family sought a bride for his brother, Girish. They were contacted by Nandlal, who offered to facilitate the marriage for a fee of ₹180,000. Following this arrangement, Jaga’s family travelled to Ghazipur, where they met Puja, who was introduced as the bride. A wedding ceremony took place at a local hotel, and the family departed for Rajasthan with Puja and Kiran in an SUV.

While en route, Puja feigned a stomach ache, prompting the family to stop the vehicle in the Rakhouna area of Mirzamurad. Jaga and his brother grew suspicious and decided to head to the nearest police outpost. At the station, an altercation ensued when Puja claimed she was being kidnapped.

The situation escalated when Jaga and his brother presented video evidence of the wedding rituals to the police. This revelation led to the discovery that both women were part of a larger gang targeting prospective brides and grooms from Rajasthan and other states. Upon further questioning, Puja disclosed that her real name was Rekha and that she was a mother of four.

The gang’s operation involved not only deception but also careful coordination. After the wedding, Nandlal and Nisha had followed Jaga’s family in another vehicle to facilitate the escape of Puja and Kiran once they reached a secluded area. However, their plan fell apart when Jaga’s family altered their route to the police station, which thwarted the accomplices’ efforts.

This incident underscores the growing problem of matrimonial fraud in India, where individuals are often lured into scams under the pretense of arranged marriages. Authorities continue to investigate the network associated with this case to prevent further incidents and protect vulnerable families.

As the investigation unfolds, local residents are urged to exercise caution when engaging in matrimonial arrangements, particularly with individuals they meet online or through unverified sources.