Ahmedabad: A businessman from Ahmedabad has alleged that he was cheated of ₹1.31 lakh in a fake marriage arrangement after seven individuals allegedly concealed the prospective bride’s identity, marital status and other key details to persuade his family to proceed with the engagement. According to the complaint, the accused collected money in multiple instalments on various pretexts before cutting off all communication. Based on the complaint, police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and initiated an investigation.
The complainant, Ankitbhai Kanubhai Patel (30), is a resident of Vastral in Ahmedabad and runs Gayatri Engineering, a lathe machine business in Kathwada GIDC. According to the complaint, his family was searching for a suitable marriage alliance when an acquaintance introduced them to one of the accused, Deepakbhai Joshi, who claimed he could arrange a suitable match from the Patel community.
The complaint states that on June 10, 2025, the complainant’s family visited Udel village in Anand district, where they met a woman introduced as Kajal. Relying on the information allegedly provided by the accused regarding the woman’s background and family, both families agreed to the marriage proposal, and the engagement ceremony was held on June 14, 2025.
According to the complainant, shortly after the engagement, the accused sought ₹51,000, claiming that the bride’s mother urgently required financial assistance. Trusting the relationship, the complainant’s family paid the amount. A few days later, the accused allegedly requested another ₹60,000, stating that one of the woman’s relatives had suffered serious injuries in a road accident and required immediate surgery.
The complainant further alleged that on June 24, he transferred an additional ₹20,000 through PhonePe after being told that more money was needed for hospital expenses. In total, the family allegedly paid ₹1.31 lakh on different occasions. The complainant stated that each payment was made on humanitarian grounds after being assured that the marriage arrangements were progressing normally.
According to the complaint, the accused stopped answering phone calls after receiving the money. When the complainant and his family visited Udel village again to verify the situation, local residents allegedly informed them that the woman introduced as Kajal did not belong to the Patel community and that several claims made by the accused were false. The complainant also alleged that the woman had been previously married and that no accident or family emergency, as claimed by the accused, had actually occurred.
The complaint further alleges that a person introduced during the engagement as Sureshbhai was, in fact, Vikramsinh Udesinh Chavda. Despite repeated requests, the accused allegedly refused to return the money. The complainant subsequently called off the engagement and approached the police.
Based on the complaint, the Ramol Police have registered a case against Deepakbhai Joshi and six others under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy. Investigators are examining the role of each accused, the alleged misrepresentation of facts, financial transactions and other available evidence. Further legal action will be taken based on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
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.
