A Hyderabad-based doctor was duped of nearly Rs 11 lakh by a man posing as a suitor on Shaadi.com’s premium service. The case has triggered a broader investigation, not just into the serial fraudster but into the alleged negligence of the matrimonial platform, now facing potential criminal liability for failing to verify profiles under India’s IT laws.
The Perfect Match That Wasn’t: Romance Turns Into Rs 11 Lakh Fraud
In an unfolding case that highlights the darker side of online matchmaking, Hyderabad’s Cyber Crime Wing has arrested Jogada Vamshi Krishna for allegedly defrauding a woman of Rs 10.96 lakh through a fake profile on Shaadi.com. The victim, a practicing doctor in Hyderabad, was contacted through the platform’s Select Shaadi service, which markets itself as a premium matchmaking tier offering “verified” profiles.
Under the alias Harsha Cherukuri, Krishna reportedly exploited the platform’s paid features to gain direct access to the woman. He earned her trust, feigned emotional attachment, and claimed financial hardship—manipulating her into transferring large sums. Later, he allegedly threatened her using sensitive personal content, escalating the deception into blackmail.
But the scam didn’t end there.
During the investigation, Hyderabad Police uncovered over 20 similar fraud cases registered against Krishna in multiple states, painting a picture of a serial fraudster who leveraged platform loopholes to target vulnerable users on a national scale.
Shaadi.com in the Dock: Platform Loses ‘Safe Harbour’ Protections
While the arrest of the accused is a critical milestone, the investigation has now turned its focus to Shaadi.com itself.
Police allege that Shaadi.com failed to carry out mandatory user verification, even while promoting its premium Select Shaadi service as offering verified matches. Under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, intermediaries like Shaadi.com are obligated to exercise due diligence in monitoring and restricting unlawful activity.
However, Hyderabad Police claim the matrimonial platform not only failed to verify documents but also allowed its relationship managers to share bogus profiles—such as the one created by the accused—with unsuspecting users, leading to direct and unmonitored contact.
The Director of Shaadi.com, Anupam Mittal, along with senior staff members Vignesh (Team Lead) and Satish (Manager), have been named in the FIR. They are being held responsible for:
- Circulating unverified data under the guise of premium services
- Ignoring red flags and complaints from victims
- Enabling continued communication between fraudsters and victims
This lapse, say officials, strips Shaadi.com of its legal immunity under Section 79(1) of the IT Act, making it potentially criminally liable for enabling fraudulent activities on its platform.
ALSO READ: Call for Cyber Experts: Join FCRF Academy as Trainers and Course Creators
Public Advisory and Legal Action: A Wake-Up Call for Online Matchmaking Platforms
The Hyderabad Police have not stopped at prosecution. They have also issued a public advisory, urging users of matrimonial websites to avoid blind trust in so-called “verified” profiles and conduct independent background checksbefore sharing personal information or money.
The police emphasize:
- Avoid sharing private photos or financial details with online acquaintances
- Report any suspicious behavior immediately via the 1930 Cyber Helpline
- Be wary of emotional manipulation involving financial requests
Authorities are now preparing for possible legal proceedings against Shaadi.com, setting the stage for a landmark case in digital platform accountability. The incident also underscores the urgent need for tighter verification protocols and more stringent enforcement of intermediary guidelines, especially for platforms where personal relationships and financial trust intersect.