Marriage Fraud: Woman Caught During Seventh Attempt After Marrying 6 People and Looting Money and Jewelry

A woman and three others were arrested for allegedly duping unmarried men under the pretense of marriage. The group would steal money and jewelry from their victims’ homes after a staged marriage. Such an incident occurred in Banda, Uttar Pradesh.

How the Scam Operated

Police revealed that the accused, Poonam Mishra, partnered with two men, Bimalesh Verma and Dharmendra Prajapati, to identify their targets. These men introduced Poonam to potential victims, unmarried men, as a prospective bride. They convinced the victims to agree to a simple court marriage.

After the marriage, Poonam moved into her victim’s home and, at an opportune moment, stole cash and jewelry before fleeing.

Six Marriages, Six Robberies

Before targeting complainant Shankar Upadhyay, Poonam had already duped six men in a similar manner. According to police, she had successfully stolen money and valuables from each of her previous husbands.

The Seventh Attempt

Shankar Upadhyay, the latest victim, revealed that Bimalesh approached him with a marriage proposal and demanded Rs. 1.5 lakh in expenses for the process. Trusting the offer, Shankar agreed. On Saturday, Bimalesh introduced him to Poonam at court, where they began the formalities.

When the group asked for the money, Shankar grew suspicious. He asked for their identification cards, including Aadhar cards of Poonam and another woman, Sanjana Gupta, who posed as her mother. Shankar noticed inconsistencies in their behavior and suspected foul play.

Threats to the Victim

Upon sensing his reluctance, the group threatened Shankar with murder or implicating him in false legal cases. Fearing for his safety, Shankar reported the incident to the police.

Police Action

Additional Superintendent of Police, Shiv Raj, confirmed that the accused had been conning men using fake marriage schemes. Police arrested Poonam, Sanjana, and their two male accomplices. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the extent of their crimes.

This case highlights the importance of verifying identities and intentions, especially in sensitive matters like marriage.