Thane, Maharashtra: The Thane Police have busted an alleged matrimonial fraud racket and arrested two men accused of cheating people out of cash and gold jewellery by promising marriage. Police have recovered ₹14.25 lakh in cash and 311 grams of gold ornaments from the accused. The total value of the recovered property is estimated at approximately ₹24.24 lakh. Investigations have so far uncovered 19 cases registered across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane.
The arrested accused have been identified as Dinesh Babu Manekar, 39, a resident of Mahape in Navi Mumbai, and his alleged accomplice, Suresh alias Babu Tanaji Mhatre, 55, a resident of Chikhali in Raigad district.
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According to the police, the accused allegedly created fake profiles on matrimonial platforms to approach unmarried women and men. After establishing contact and gaining their trust, they would promise marriage and persuade victims to hand over cash and gold ornaments. The accused would then allegedly disappear with the valuables.
Investigation Began With a Complaint, Arrests Made in Navi Mumbai
According to the police, the investigation began after a cheating complaint was registered at Badlapur West police station. An FIR was filed under Sections 318(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
During the investigation, police identified Dinesh Babu Manekar as a suspect and arrested him in the Mahape area of Navi Mumbai on October 9. Further questioning and investigative leads allegedly revealed the involvement of Suresh alias Babu Tanaji Mhatre, who was subsequently arrested.
Police suspect that the two men were involved in similar offences across different jurisdictions. Investigators examined their alleged modus operandi and compared it with complaints registered at various police stations to establish links between the cases.
Cash and 311 Grams of Gold Recovered
During the operation, police recovered ₹14.25 lakh in cash and 311 grams of gold ornaments from the accused. The total value of the seized property has been estimated at approximately ₹24.24 lakh.
Investigators are examining the source of the recovered valuables and their possible connection with losses reported by victims in the various cases.
The investigation has so far led to the detection of 19 offences. These include 17 cases allegedly linked to the two arrested men and two additional cases involving Manekar.
The cases have been registered at Badlapur West, Badlapur East, Ulhasnagar, Shivajinagar, Mulund, Panvel City and Koparkhairane police stations.
Main Accused Has 29 Serious Criminal Cases
According to the police, the criminal record of the main accused, Dinesh Babu Manekar, has also come under scrutiny. As many as 29 serious criminal cases, including robbery, theft, cheating and dacoity, have reportedly been registered against him across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar and Thane.
Police are now investigating how many additional people may have been targeted through matrimonial platforms and whether other members of the alleged racket are involved.
Investigators are comparing records from different police stations to identify further victims, establish connections between reported offences and determine the full extent of the alleged fraud network.
The operation was conducted by the Ulhasnagar Crime Branch under the Thane Police Commissionerate. The arrests were made as part of an operation supervised by senior police officials.
Police said further investigation was underway to identify additional victims, establish the possible involvement of other individuals and determine whether the accused were connected to more cases beyond the 19 offences detected so far.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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