A 33-year-old woman from Bengaluru has been arrested by the Avadi police for cheating a call centre employee after promising to marry him. The suspect, V. Sravana Sandhya, had been targeting Telugu-speaking men looking for a bride on matrimonial sites.
The victim, S. Ashok Chaitanya, had registered his profile on a Telugu matrimony site when Sandhya befriended him. They exchanged pictures and grew close, with Chaitanya even sending her ₹9 lakh ($12,035) when she asked for money. He even gifted her an expensive mobile phone. However, things took a turn when Sandhya began avoiding the subject of marriage. Suspicious, Chaitanya demanded the return of his money. In response, she blocked his calls and cut off all contact with him.
Chaitanya promptly filed a complaint with the cyber crime helpline, following which the Avadi Police Commissioner formed a special team to track down the suspect. Sandhya was eventually apprehended at a women’s hostel in Madivala, Bengaluru. Three mobile phones and six SIM cards were seized from her possession.
It has been discovered that Sandhya had employed similar tactics to cheat other men. She had used multiple email addresses and was active on the Telegram app. Her targets were usually men above 33 years old who were searching for a bride on Telugu matrimonial sites.
The Avadi police have advised individuals using online platforms for matrimonial purposes to exercise caution and be vigilant about potential frauds. They urge people to thoroughly verify the credentials of the person they interact with, and to refrain from sharing personal or financial information without proper verification.
This incident serves as a reminder that one should always be cautious when interacting with strangers online, especially in matters of personal relationships. It is advisable to conduct thorough background checks and independent verification before committing to any financial transactions or making promises based on virtual relationships.
The arrest of V. Sravana Sandhya highlights the need for increased awareness and caution while engaging in online communications, especially in the realm of relationships and matrimonial platforms. The Avadi police must be commended for their swift action in apprehending the suspect, ensuring that justice is served for the victims of this fraudulent scheme.
