Fake Bride, Real Betrayal: Groom Duped of ₹1.25 Lakh in Indore Court Marriage Scam

Indore: A shocking case of marriage fraud has come to light at the Indore District Court premises, where a young man was allegedly duped of ₹1.25 lakh in the name of a court marriage. The MG Road police have arrested a fake bride and her accomplice posing as her brother, while two other accused are absconding.

According to the complaint lodged by Sunil Barodiya (28), a resident of Sagaur in Dhar district, he was contacted over the phone by a man named Ajay Joshi, who claimed to be a priest and offered to arrange his marriage. Ajay sent him a photograph of a young woman and lured him with the promise of an immediate court marriage.

As per the plan, Sunil and his family reached the Indore District Court for notarisation of the marriage. There, a woman identified as Sapna Ahirwar, a resident of Sagar, arrived posing as the bride, accompanied by Ravi Raghuvanshi of Vidisha, who introduced himself as her brother. Another accused, Rajesh Gaur, posed as her uncle.

During the ceremony in the court premises, Sunil was allegedly extorted of ₹1.20 to ₹1.25 lakh in the name of marriage expenses. After taking the money, Ajay Joshi and Rajesh Gaur fled the spot, promising to return shortly. When they did not come back and their phones were found switched off, Sunil grew suspicious.

On being questioned, Sapna revealed that she was already married and a mother of a child. She admitted that Ajay had asked her to pose as a bride in exchange for money.

Sunil immediately approached the MG Road police station. Acting swiftly, the police reached the spot and apprehended Sapna Ahirwar and Ravi Raghuvanshi. Both are currently being interrogated.

Additional DCP Ramsnehi Mishra said a case of cheating and fraud has been registered against Ravi Raghuvanshi, Sapna Ahirwar, Ajay Joshi and Rajesh Gaur. Efforts are on to trace and arrest the absconding accused.

Police have warned people to remain cautious of marriage offers made through unknown callers and brokers, especially when money is demanded in advance.