Matrimony Mogul: Fake Doctor's $22.7 Lakh Heist

A man impersonated a doctor and bank official on a matrimony site to defraud a woman and her family of Rs 22.70 lakh. Arrested in Bhubaneswar, he used two mobile numbers linked to one handset. Police are investigating further potential victims in this deceptive scheme.

A 40-year-old man has been apprehended for masquerading as a doctor and bank official on a matrimony site, allegedly duping a woman and her family of Rs 22.70 lakh, the police disclosed on Thursday.

The arrest, made in response to a complaint lodged at Pahal police station near Bhubaneswar, was confirmed by Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh. The victim encountered the accused in 2021 on a matrimony website, where he presented himself as a doctor seeking a bride for his brother.

From June to December 2021, the suspect allegedly extracted Rs 22.70 lakh from the victim and her family through various means, according to Commissioner Singh. Investigations revealed the same handset operated two mobile numbers used for impersonation. Further inquiries are ongoing to determine if additional women were defrauded in a similar manner.

(With inputs from agencies.)