Pune: A woman from Pune’s Kondhwa area has filed a complaint against a man who allegedly sexually assaulted and financially defrauded her of ₹27 lakh after meeting her through a matrimonial website. The accused, identified as Amit Chavan, reportedly gained her trust by promising marriage before coercing her into financial transactions.
According to the police report, the victim met the accused on a matrimonial platform, where their acquaintance developed into a romantic relationship.
Exploiting her trust, the accused allegedly sexually assaulted her and later claimed to be in severe business losses due to his import-export venture. He then pressured her into taking a ₹20 lakh loan and also transferred ₹7 lakh through online and cash transactions, promising marriage in return.
However, after securing the funds, the accused broke off the relationship and disappeared, leading the victim to approach the Kondhwa Police Station and file a complaint.
This incident sheds light on the rising trend of fraud cases linked to matrimonial websites, where perpetrators exploit emotional and financial vulnerabilities of their victims.
Many fraudsters target women based on their age, financial stability, and social background, trapping them in deceptive relationships before defrauding them. Some have even been known to record compromising videos of victims and use them for blackmail and extortion.
Safety Measures to Prevent Matrimonial Frauds
Authorities advise individuals to take the following precautions when interacting with potential partners on matrimonial sites:
Thoroughly verify the person’s background and credentials.
Avoid rushing into trust and financial transactions.
Ensure proper communication and verification with both families.
Check the legitimacy of their claimed business or job.
Immediately report suspicious behavior to the police.
Involve family members in the decision-making process.
"When connecting with someone through a matrimonial site, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive background check. Decisions made solely based on private conversations or a few meetings increase the risk of fraud. Many cases involve victims not involving their family, making them more vulnerable to deception. It is crucial to verify details and ensure family participation before proceeding with a commitment," said Vivek Masal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Economic and Cyber Crime Branch.
