Anuradha Paswan, a 23-year-old woman, was arrested in Bhopal by Rajasthan Police on May 19 for allegedly marrying 25 men across multiple states within seven months and fleeing with their valuables. She operated a sophisticated matrimonial fraud racket, using legal marriage documents to deceive unsuspecting grooms before absconding with gold, cash, and electronics.
The scam came to light after a victim in Sawai Madhopur lodged a complaint, triggering a sting operation. Police have since identified several accomplices and are coordinating with other states to dismantle the entire criminal network.
A Calculated Matrimonial Con: How Anuradha Duped 25 Men
According to investigation officer Meetha Lal, Anuradha’s modus operandi was meticulously planned and executed. She presented herself as an ideal bride, marrying men through legitimate legal paperwork, which gave her actions a veneer of authenticity.
After staying with her victims for a few days, she would disappear under the cover of night, taking with her gold jewellery, cash, and valuable electronics. The racket involved agents such as Sunita and Pappu Meena, who showcased prospective brides on WhatsApp groups, charging clients between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh for arranging these fraudulent marriages.
One victim, Vishnu Sharma from Sawai Madhopur, recounted how he paid ₹2 lakh to the agents and married Anuradha on April 20, only for her to vanish by May 2 with his belongings. Another victim, Gabbar from Bhopal, was duped of ₹2 lakh before Anuradha’s arrest. Officer Lal emphasised, “She had perfected her con, exploiting the trust and desperation of men seeking marriage.”
Background and Ongoing Investigation: Unmasking a Larger Network
Anuradha hails from Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, and previously worked at a hospital before separating from her husband due to domestic issues. After relocating to Bhopal, she reportedly joined a gang specialising in matrimonial fraud.
The gang includes individuals such as Roshni, Raghubir, Golu, Majboot Singh Yadav, and Arjan, who used social media platforms to lure victims. The police launched a covert operation by deploying an undercover officer posing as a prospective groom, which ultimately led to Anuradha’s arrest.
Rajasthan Police are now working closely with law enforcement agencies in other states to track down remaining gang members and prevent further exploitation. Authorities warn the public to exercise caution and verify backgrounds thoroughly before entering into matrimonial alliances.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This unsettling case sheds light on the vulnerabilities within the matrimonial ecosystem, especially in an era where technology facilitates both connection and deception. It underscores the critical need for transparency, legal safeguards, and public awareness to protect individuals from such elaborate scams.
While the victims’ financial and emotional trauma is profound, it is equally important to reflect on the societal pressures and gaps in support systems that allow such frauds to thrive.
The Logical Indian urges communities to promote safer matchmaking practices rooted in trust and verification, and calls for stronger legal frameworks to deter such crimes. How can we, as a society, foster empathy and vigilance to ensure that marriage remains a sacred and secure institution rather than a tool for exploitation?
