Hardoi | In a bizarre case highlighting the growing risks linked to online relationships and identity fraud, a wedding ceremony in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district turned into a scene of chaos after a woman advocate alleged that the man who arrived as the groom was not the same person she had been speaking to on WhatsApp for several months. The incident triggered outrage among the bride’s family and guests, eventually leading to police intervention and the detention of multiple individuals linked to the wedding party.
According to officials and local sources, the incident took place in Shahabad area of Hardoi, where the woman lawyer had reportedly developed a relationship through social media with a man claiming to be “Rahul Mishra,” allegedly serving in the Indian Army and posted in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Over the course of nearly four to five months, the two remained in regular contact through WhatsApp chats, photographs, and video calls. Following discussions between the two families, the marriage was formally arranged.
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Police sources said the wedding procession reached Shahabad on the night of May 12-13, and preparations for the ceremony began in the presence of relatives, friends, and local guests. However, moments before the exchange of garlands, the bride allegedly noticed that the person seated as the groom did not resemble the man whose photographs and videos had been shared with her online.
The woman immediately informed her family members and lawyer colleagues present at the venue, after which the groom was reportedly questioned by those attending the ceremony. During the confrontation, the man allegedly admitted that his real name was not Rahul Mishra but Devendra Singh Parihar. The revelation sparked panic and anger inside the wedding venue, with several guests accusing the groom’s side of orchestrating a deliberate fraud.
Eyewitnesses claimed that heated arguments soon escalated into physical scuffles, with members of the bride’s side allegedly assaulting the groom and several baraatis. Within minutes, the wedding atmosphere reportedly turned into a full-scale confrontation, forcing local police to rush to the venue after receiving information about the disturbance.
Police personnel intervened and rescued the groom and his associates from the crowd before taking them into custody for questioning. The injured groom was later shifted to a hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that at least nine individuals linked to the wedding party have been detained as part of the ongoing investigation.
The woman advocate has reportedly told investigators that the matter may involve more than simple identity concealment. She has expressed suspicion that an organised network could be operating behind such incidents, possibly involving fake online identities, fraudulent marriages, or even human trafficking-related activities. Investigators are now examining whether similar complaints have surfaced elsewhere involving the same individuals or digital profiles.
On the other hand, Devendra Singh Parihar has denied impersonation allegations and claimed that he and the woman had been in a consensual relationship for several months. According to him, the woman herself invited him for marriage, and he has denied knowing anyone named Rahul Mishra. His statements have further complicated the investigation, especially regarding the identity of the individual who allegedly communicated with the woman online over the past several months.
Investigating teams are now preparing detailed forensic examinations of mobile phones, WhatsApp chats, social media accounts, call records, photographs, and shared videos connected to the case. Officials are also attempting to determine whether fake military credentials or fabricated digital profiles were used to gain the woman’s trust.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that online “romance fraud” and identity-based marriage scams have been increasing rapidly across the country. According to him, fraudsters frequently use fake government job claims, fabricated social media profiles, and emotional manipulation to build trust before attempting financial or personal exploitation. He advised families and individuals to independently verify identities, employment records, and official documents before proceeding with marriages initiated through online platforms.
Police said a formal case has been registered based on the woman’s complaint, and further investigation is underway to identify the real person behind the alleged fake identity and determine whether a larger organised network was involved in the incident.
