Bengaluru Matrimony Scam: Engineering Professional Duped of ₹1.52 Crore

A significant matrimonial scam has emerged in Bengaluru, involving a 29-year-old engineer who reportedly lost over ₹1.52 crore to a man she connected with via a matrimonial website. The suspect, who masqueraded as a rich entrepreneur, is now facing severe allegations alongside his family members.

The victim, Navya Shree from Whitefield, met Vijay Raj Gowda, known as Vijeth B, in March 2024 through an Okkaliga platform. Vijay claimed to be the owner of VRG Enterprises, with extensive business ventures, and boasted of assets worth ₹715 crore.

In a bid to win Navya's trust, he presented documents from a 2019 Enforcement Directorate case, including a bail order, framing himself as a businessman caught in legal entanglements. He vowed to marry Navya, claiming that his family was in agreement.

The deceit began in early April when Vijay sought ₹15,000 via a digital transaction, citing bank-related issues. He then persuaded Navya to invest further, encouraging her to take loans from friends with promises of profitable returns.

Vijay later introduced his family to Navya at Kengeri Metro Station. His father claimed to be a retired Tehsildar, assuring Navya's family that all investments were secure. Cheques were issued under VRG Enterprises' name to bolster their confidence.

According to police investigations, Vijay also managed to involve Navya's friends, who collectively invested substantial amounts. When they requested refunds, Vijay claimed his accounts were frozen due to legal matters, producing falsified court documents to bolster his story.

Confronting Navya's parents, he showcased similar documents. Believing his claims, her father lent ₹10.5 lakh, while her mother contributed ₹18 lakh, including retirement funds. Vijay also borrowed ₹10 lakh against Navya's jewellery and an additional ₹5 lakh from her siblings.

The reality broke when Navya visited Vijay’s residence to demand her investments back, only to find he was already married with a child. The woman he'd claimed was his sister was, in fact, his wife of three years, with the family complicit in the deceit.

Navya alleged threats were made against her and her friends when she confronted Vijay and his family. According to her report, Vijay allegedly garnered ₹1,75,66,890 through various bank accounts, returning a mere ₹22,51,800, leaving an outstanding debt of ₹1,53,15,090.

Authorities have initiated a case against Vijay, his father, and his wife, covering cheating, conspiracy, and intimidation. An ongoing investigation aims to trace the funds and fully uncover the fraud's magnitude.

This incident raises alarming concerns regarding matrimonial websites and the increasing incidence of financial fraud disguised as marriage proposals, particularly in tech-centric cities like Bengaluru.