Online Marriage Fraud in Pune: Woman Arrested, Rs 11.45 Lakh Recovered by Bibwewadi Police

Pune’s Bibwewadi Police have arrested a 28-year-old woman for online fraud where she promised marriage, cheated victims of Rs 11.45 lakh. The money has been successfully recovered.

Pune, October 24, 2025- Pune Police have arrested a 28-year-old woman for allegedly cheating a man of more than eleven lakh rupees by promising marriage through online communication. The case was handled by the Bibwewadi Police Station, and officers were able to trace the accused, recover the entire amount, and seize mobile devices used during the crime. The accused has been identified as Harshla Rakesh Dengale, a resident of New Omand Nagar, Hudkeshwar in Nagpur. According to investigators, the fraud took place between April and early June of this year and involved repeated manipulation, emotional pressure, and fabricated stories to convince the victim to transfer money.

The complainant contacted the accused after seeing an advertisement for marriage on social media. The woman introduced herself under a fake identity and represented herself as someone looking for a genuine relationship. When initial trust was established, she began sharing personal stories, including the claim that she had a sick sister who required medical treatment. Soon after, she convinced the complainant that she would be traveling to Pune from Kolhapur to meet him. While on the way, she claimed she had been involved in an accident and urgently needed financial help for treatment. These appeals were made through calls and messages, leaving the complainant worried and emotionally pressured. Believing the story to be true, he transferred money several times. The accused continued to ask for payments, citing hospital bills and other emergencies.

When she failed to meet him and kept delaying the marriage promise, the complainant became suspicious. He tried to contact her repeatedly and demanded his money back, but she avoided him and gave excuses. With no other option remaining, he filed a complaint with Bibwewadi Police. Officers began technical analysis of mobile numbers and digital transactions associated with the case. During the investigation, police discovered that the woman’s real identity was different from what she had presented. They traced her location, issued notices, and eventually persuaded her to appear at the station. She was taken into custody and questioned. Police seized three mobile phones used to communicate with victims and recorded financial transfers. After sustained efforts, officers managed to recover the full amount of Rs 11,45,350 that had been taken from the complainant.

The accused was produced before the court and granted bail. However, charges remain active and further legal action will continue. Senior police officers from the region, including the Deputy Commissioner and Additional Commissioner, guided the investigation. Their team credited the successful recovery to quick reporting, cooperative digital analysis, and timely movement across departments.

Police say online fraud connected to relationships and marriage proposals is increasing. Victims are often approached on social media or through matrimonial advertisements. Fraudsters study profiles, approach people politely, share emotional stories, and create urgency to request money. Once the payment is made, communication slows and eventually stops. Officers advise anyone using online platforms for marriage to verify identities, avoid transferring money to strangers, and report any suspicious behavior immediately.

The case has raised awareness among citizens in Pune, where several such incidents have surfaced in recent years. Many people hesitate to complain due to embarrassment or fear of judgment, which allows scammers to continue their activities. Authorities encourage victims to speak up without hesitation. Police are also planning to hold awareness drives and digital safety workshops to help people avoid such traps.

The Bibwewadi Police have stated that they are monitoring similar complaints and will take strict action in every case. They urged the public to be careful with emotional appeals over the internet and recommended meeting families in person, verifying documents, and involving trusted relatives before making any decisions related to marriage.

This arrest and recovery have given some relief to the victim and serve as an example of how digital fraud can be successfully cracked when reported in time. The case sends a clear message that online cheating will not go unnoticed, and police are prepared to follow every digital trail to reach the accused.

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