Pune: The Kolhapur Local Crime Investigation Branch has arrested a man for allegedly defrauding over 25 women using the matrimonial platform Shaadi.com. The accused, Firoz Nizam Shaikh (32), currently residing in Mithanagar, Kondhwa, Pune, and originally from Gangavalan, Kalashi, Indapur Taluka, was apprehended on Sunday, January 12.

Modus Operandi

Firoz targeted divorced and widowed women by accessing their contact details through Shaadi.com. He approached his victims under the pretense of seeking marriage and presented himself as an industrial contractor. After gaining their trust, he entered into relationships with them. In one case, he convinced a divorced woman from Kolhapur to lend him ₹1.69 lakh in cash and jewelry worth ₹8.25 lakh, claiming financial troubles in his business.

Victim’s Complaint

The fraud came to light when the woman began urging Firoz to fulfill his promise of marriage. To avoid her, he claimed to have been diagnosed with a brain tumor and started distancing himself. Realizing she had been deceived, the woman lodged a formal complaint at Juna Rajwada Police Station on January 10.

Police Action and Investigation

Following the complaint, the Kolhapur police tracked and arrested Firoz in Pune’s Kondhwa area. Investigations revealed that he is already married and has a wife and two children.

During interrogation, Firoz confessed to defrauding at least 25 women, some of whom he had conned out of lakhs of rupees. A previous fraud case had been registered against him at Indapur Police Station, with additional complaints pending in other locations.