A divorced woman in Pune, hoping for a new beginning, was deceived by a Karnataka man who swindled nearly ₹20 lakh under the guise of marriage. The betrayal, uncovered after months of trust, has left her seeking justice and sparked warnings about online matrimonial scams.
Pune | 27 July, 2025: In a deeply distressing incident in Pune’s Maval Taluka, a 35-year-old divorced woman was left heartbroken and financially devastated after being duped of ₹19,81,751 by a man she met on a matrimonial website. The accused, Rakesh Ravi Kumar Shetty from Mangaluru, Karnataka, preyed on her hopes of remarriage, exploiting her trust over months of communication. The case, reported on July 25, 2025, at Shirgaon Parandwadi Police Station, highlights the emotional and financial toll of online fraud targeting vulnerable individuals.
The woman, a private-sector employee living with her parents after her divorce, joined Jeevansathi.com in November 2024, encouraged by her family to find a new partner. She connected with Shetty, whose shared Karnataka roots fostered an immediate bond. Their relationship grew quickly through regular calls and multiple visits by Shetty to Pune, where he earned her confidence. Claiming to be a businessman with a temporarily frozen bank account, he persuaded her to share her credit card and bank details to help him manage transactions. Trusting his intentions, she complied, unaware of the deception unfolding.
Over several months, Shetty siphoned off nearly ₹20 lakh in phased withdrawals. When the woman pressed for repayment, he offered vague excuses before abruptly cutting off contact, leaving her to realize the extent of his betrayal. Devastated, she filed a complaint under Sections 316 (criminal breach of trust) and 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police suspect Shetty may be a serial fraudster, targeting others through similar schemes, and are actively working to track him down under the supervision of Police Sub-Inspector Shaikh.
This incident has shaken the local community, particularly those who rely on matrimonial platforms to rebuild their lives. For the woman, the loss is not just financial but deeply personal, as her hopes for a new chapter were cruelly exploited. Her courage in coming forward has drawn attention to the risks of online interactions, prompting calls for greater vigilance and stronger safeguards on matrimonial sites. The case resonates with many who understand the emotional weight of seeking companionship, only to face deception.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging users of online platforms to verify identities and avoid sharing sensitive financial information. The woman’s story is a stark reminder of the need for caution in the digital age, even as it underscores her resilience in pursuing justice. The community rallies behind her, hoping her case will lead to the capture of the accused and prevent others from falling victim to such heart-wrenching scams.
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