A suspected fake marriage racket has raised concern in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district, where a woman identified as Sheetal has been accused of marrying three men within five months and disappearing shortly after each wedding. The matter has now extended to Bilaspur, where another family has reported similar allegations, prompting police to examine whether the cases are linked to an organised network.
According to the ongoing investigation, the woman allegedly entered into marriages in different districts between January and May. Families of the affected men have claimed that the initial days after marriage appeared normal, but she later left home on different pretexts, including temple visits or a relative’s death, and did not return.
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Similar Complaints Raise Network Suspicion
Police sources indicate that the pattern emerging from multiple complaints suggests the possibility of a coordinated racket rather than isolated incidents. Investigators are now examining whether intermediaries were involved in arranging the marriages and helping facilitate the disappearances.
Officials said the complaints show notable similarities in execution. Statements from affected families are being recorded, while marriage documents and identity records are being verified in detail.
The probe has also been extended across districts to trace possible links between the cases reported in Hamirpur and Bilaspur. Police are looking into whether the same individuals or agents were involved in arranging the matrimonial alliances.
Identity Documents and Intermediaries Under Scrutiny
In one complaint filed by a man from the Ghalore area, it has been alleged that his marriage was arranged in Batala, Punjab. The complainant claimed that trouble began when the woman refused to complete official registration at the local panchayat level.
He further alleged that doubts emerged over the authenticity of her identity documents. When clarification was sought, threats were allegedly issued before she disappeared.
Another family from Bilaspur has reported a similar case, claiming that the woman left home shortly after the marriage by citing a relative’s death and never returned. These repeated allegations have led investigators to examine the role of intermediaries and the possibility of forged or fabricated documents.
Police Expand Probe Into Possible Interstate Links
Preliminary findings suggest that intermediaries may have targeted families seeking matrimonial alliances, especially through informal arrangements. Police are examining whether false identities and documents were used to gain trust before the marriages were conducted.
Investigators are also analysing phone records, identity papers, financial transactions and communication patterns. Several phone numbers and accounts believed to be linked to the suspected racket are under scrutiny.
Officials said similar patterns have been reported in other states, raising the possibility of a wider interstate network. Authorities have urged families to conduct proper background checks, verify documents and avoid relying blindly on intermediaries before finalising matrimonial decisions.
