Pune Groom Falls Victim to Fake Marriage Scam; Bride Flees in Waiting Car
Junnar, 24th June 2026: A 31-year-old man seeking a bride was allegedly duped by a fake marriage racket and cheated of ₹1.6 lakh in Ale village of Junnar taluka. Police have registered a case against four persons, including a woman who posed as the bride, two other women, and a marriage broker.
According to the police, the victim was searching for a suitable match when a broker known to him introduced him to a woman from Ale. The woman allegedly told him over the phone that she knew a prospective bride and asked him to bring ₹2.30 lakh when he came to meet her.
On June 20, 2026, the man, accompanied by his relatives and the broker, visited the woman’s residence in Ale, where he was introduced to the alleged bride. Later that day, a marriage ceremony was conducted at the house, during which the couple exchanged garlands.
Police said the groom transferred ₹1.6 lakh online to two women who allegedly acted as intermediaries in arranging the marriage. Following the ceremony, the bride left with the groom, who took her to his native village.
The next day, the couple reportedly underwent another marriage ceremony at a temple in Kopargaon taluka. However, while returning home at around 5.30 pm, they noticed a car with tinted windows parked outside his residence. The woman allegedly got into the vehicle and fled from the spot.
The groom and his friends chased the vehicle up to Babhaleshwar, but the occupants managed to escape.
The victim subsequently approached Rahata Police Station and lodged a complaint. Since the alleged offence originated in Ale, the case was transferred to Alephata Police Station for further investigation.
A case of cheating has been registered against the four accused. Further investigation is being carried out by Assistant Police Inspector Amol Panhalkar.
