An individual from Ahmedabad has been detained by the Crime Branch for allegedly posing as a police officer to defraud numerous women across multiple states. The suspect, identified as Himanshu, also known as Rocky Panchal, was reportedly residing in Udaipur at the time of his apprehension. His activities have drawn significant attention due to their deceptive nature and the scale of the operation.

Modus Operandi of the Accused

Panchal is accused of creating fraudulent profiles on several online matrimonial and dating platforms, including well-known sites such as Shaadi.com, Jeevansathi, Bumble, and Hinge. Using artificial intelligence tools, he fabricated identities and utilised AI-generated photographs portraying himself in a police uniform, allegedly to foster trust among his victims. He impersonated a Police Sub-Inspector affiliated with the cybercrime division of Gujarat Police to enhance his credibility.

Panchal’s strategy included targeting women on social media and matrimonial platforms, where he allegedly emotionally coerced them into relationships. Once he gained their trust, he purportedly claimed he was facing various crises, including legal issues, suspension from duty, or severe financial emergencies. His emotional tactics were reportedly effective in persuading several women to send him money.

Extent of the Fraud

The extent of Panchal’s fraudulent activities is still being uncovered. Investigators have reported that he employed fake communication, including forged letters from government departments and fabricated Income Tax raid notices. These communications hinted that his bank accounts had been frozen, leading victims to believe in his fabricated plight and transfer significant amounts to him.

The scam was uncovered after women from the Naroda and Navrangpura areas of Ahmedabad grew suspicious and approached law enforcement. Their reports prompted a deeper investigation, revealing Panchal’s fraudulent activities spanned not only Gujarat but also Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.

Panchal has a prior criminal record, including a rape case registered against him at the Nalasopara police station near Mumbai, where he allegedly used similar tactics to lure a victim. After being released on bail, he reportedly resumed targeting women, continuing his deceitful schemes.

Ongoing Investigation and Victim Identification

Law enforcement is currently engaged in a comprehensive investigation to identify more victims of Panchal’s fraudulent network. Reports from various victims indicate significant financial losses, with instances including a woman from Ahmedabad’s Nava Vadaj area who allegedly transferred Rs 50,000 under the pretext of covering bail expenses. Another victim from Naroda reported a loss of Rs 1.8 lakh, while a victim from Navrangpura claimed nearly Rs 80,000 had been taken.

The Crime Branch continues to gather evidence and investigate the full extent of the network to prevent future incidents of this nature. Efforts are being made to ensure that all victims receive the necessary support and guidance during this challenging time.

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