How a Groom From Gujarat Was Cheated by a Fake Bride and Matchmaker
A Gujarat resident seeking a second marriage was defrauded when his newlywed bride vanished from the venue after sending him to buy sweets. Police arrested matchmaker Madhu Pandey and an accomplice, recovering cash and a phone, while searching for the remaining suspects. Scroll below to know more about the case.
A Gujarat resident's search for a second marriage ended in fraud when the bride allegedly fled the wedding venue with associates shortly after the ceremony, following a staged match that cost the groom INR 1.6 lakh. Local authorities in Uttar Pradesh have arrested two individuals, including a matchmaker, in connection with the extortion and cheating scheme.
The Wedding and Sudden Disappearance
According to the complaint filed by Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Banaskantha in Gujarat, he had been seeking a second marriage following his divorce when he was introduced to matchmaker Madhu Pandey of Mirzapur about five months ago. Maharajganj: 2 Students Save Woman From Drowning in Uttar Pradesh Canal (Video).
Pandey allegedly promised to arrange his marriage and demanded INR 2 lakh, presenting photographs of three prospective brides from whom Kumar selected a woman identified as Neha Pandey. Following phone conversations, Kumar travelled to Varanasi and subsequently to Robertsganj, where the marriage was solemnised at a temple in Khaliaari market on September 10. Right after the wedding rituals, the matchmaker and her associates allegedly demanded the promised funds and coerced Kumar into paying INR 1.6 lakh under threat. The complainant stated he was then sent out to buy sweets at the market, only to return and find that the bride and other accused individuals had vanished. Bihar: Instagram Love Story Ends in Tragedy as Newlywed Bride Dies Hours After Marriage in Purnia.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Acting on Kumar's complaint, the Robertsganj police registered a formal case. Raipur SHO Vijay Kumar Chaurasia confirmed that matchmaker Madhu Pandey and an accomplice, Ashok Jaiswal, were arrested on Wednesday near Hinduwari village. Police recovered INR 6,920 in cash and a mobile phone from Pandey's possession. Authorities stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the matrimonial fraud network.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 16, 2026 07:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).