Youth Lured Through Dating App, Robbed and Assaulted in Pune
Pune, 24th March 2025: A youth from Pimpri was lured through a dating app, assaulted, and robbed by four men near Sangam Bridge in Pune. The accused, identified as Shahrukh Top and his three accomplices, fled after looting cash and tampering with the victim’s mobile phone.
According to a complaint filed at Bundgarden Police Station, the victim had connected with the accused through a ‘gay app.’ On March 18, they called him to meet at RTO Chowk in Mangalwar Peth and later took him to an isolated spot near the railway tracks. There, they allegedly threatened him, demanded money, and physically assaulted him before robbing him. The accused further forced the victim to pay more and tampered with his mobile phone before fleeing the scene.
The frightened youth filed a complaint at Bundgarden Police Station, following which a case was registered. Police Sub-Inspector Swapnil Lohar is investigating the matter.
In recent months, at least five to six similar cases have been reported where criminals have misused dating apps to lure and rob victims. In Dhayari, a businessman was targeted in a similar manner, while in Magarpatta City, a computer engineer fell prey to such a scam.
Authorities have urged users to exercise caution while engaging on such platforms and report any suspicious activities immediately.
