Nightlife Scam Busted in Pune: Men Lured on Dating Apps, Forced to Pay Hefty Bills at Clubs
Wagholi, 5th July 2025: Pune is witnessing a new twist to nightlife scams that have long plagued metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi. A recent incident at a popular club in Wagholi has spotlighted how some establishments are allegedly collaborating with women to trap unsuspecting men through dating apps, resulting in them footing steep bills for food and drinks they never ordered.
The scam operates through a simple but devious strategy. Women, often found on dating apps, invite men for a casual meet-up at a pre-decided club. Once seated, the woman orders expensive liquor or food. Midway through the outing, she excuses herself—usually to the washroom—and never returns. Left with a massive bill and threatened by staff or bouncers, the man is forced to pay. According to sources, the women reportedly earn a commission based on the total spend.
One such victim, a young man named Siddharth, recounted his ordeal at the upscale nightclub Life of Dorrance in Wagholi. “I met this woman on a dating app. She seemed friendly and invited me to the club. She ordered alcohol worth nearly ₹20,000. Moments after the waiter handed over the bill, she vanished,” he said. “When I tried to reach her, her phone was switched off. The staff insisted I clear the bill, and one of the managers even threatened me.”
What appeared to be an isolated incident took a serious turn when Siddharth’s friend, Jagjit, revealed he too had been contacted by the same woman. Sensing a pattern, Jagjit chose to confront the situation head-on.
“I agreed to meet her at the same club. When she placed her order, I discreetly checked her glass—it was just a soft drink, not alcohol,” Jagjit explained. “The moment she realised I was catching on, she fled the club. I immediately called the police.”
His quick thinking triggered panic among others allegedly involved in similar scams. “A few other women at nearby tables also left abruptly, probably fearing they’d be exposed,” Jagjit added.
The club’s owner, Ankush Dahake, denied any involvement in fraudulent activity. “We are a legitimate business and have no connection with these claims. Our staff only follow protocol,” he said.
However, the victims are not backing down. They have approached Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, demanding an in-depth investigation into the alleged collusion between the women and the club. “This is not just about one case,” said Siddharth. “There’s a larger network operating here, and young men are being financially and emotionally harassed.”
While no FIR has been registered as of now, officials confirmed that a preliminary inquiry is underway.
