Ahead of Navratri, viral social-media posts offering “rent a Garba partner” services for ₹500 to ₹6,500 have prompted Ahmedabad’s Cyber Crime Cell to investigate their authenticity and warn users against making payments to unknown profiles.
The advertisements, mainly circulating on Instagram, offer packages ranging from short Garba sessions to extended engagements, with some promising matching outfits, dance guidance, selfies and reels.
Ahmedabad Cyber Crime DCP Dr Lavina Sinha said such posts could be used to initiate conversations with strangers, obtain payments without providing the promised service, or direct users towards fraudulent payment links or attachments.
ACP Hardik Mandakia said police had been monitoring the posts for five to six days and had found that some initial posts came from genuine user accounts, while similar content later appeared across multiple handles, including some that appeared AI-generated. Police are examining whether the trend involves genuine promotional activity, misleading content or cyber fraud.
Viral Packages Raise Questions
The advertisements have turned an unusual social-media idea into a talking point ahead of Gujarat’s biggest annual festival. Posts circulating online have offered “Silver”, “Gold” and “Platinum” packages, with reported prices beginning at around ₹500 and going up to ₹6,500 for longer or all-night arrangements.
One widely shared post associated with Gujarat-based creator Krish Mistry advertised a ₹1,000 Silver package for two hours, including a Garba partner, matching outfits, basic dance guidance and selfies. A ₹1,500 Gold package offered four hours along with photographs and reels, while a ₹2,000 Platinum package advertised extended Garba activities and additional assistance.
Other advertisements circulating online have quoted higher prices and included services such as Garba hopping, food outings, photography and drop-offs. However, these are claims made in social-media advertisements, not services verified by the police.
Police Begin Social-Media Probe
Ahmedabad Cyber Crime officials said the advertisements came to their attention through routine social-media monitoring. ACP Hardik Mandakia said police had been observing the posts for around five to six days.
According to him, some of the first posts were uploaded from genuine profiles, apparently as a way of increasing reach or attracting followers. Similar advertisements subsequently appeared across multiple accounts, with investigators also noticing content that appeared to have been generated using artificial intelligence.
Accounts linked to Ahmedabad, Surat and Mumbai are now being scrutinised as officials examine whether the posts are connected and whether users could be exposed to phishing, WhatsApp hacking or financial fraud.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The appeal of a viral festival trend should not come at the cost of personal safety or trust. Social media can create new ways for people to find communities, companions and experiences, but an attractive profile or professionally designed package is not proof that an online offer is genuine.
DCP Dr Lavina Sinha has specifically warned that conversations initiated through such advertisements could potentially expose users to further risks, while payment links or attachments shared by unknown profiles may be used for cyber fraud. At the same time, it is important not to label every “rent a Garba partner” post a scam while the police investigation is still underway.
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