In an extraordinary case of serial matrimonial fraud, a 23-year-old woman named Anuradha Paswan has been arrested for deceiving at least 25 men across multiple states by posing as a bride, marrying them, and fleeing with their money and valuables shortly after.

Operating under aliases and frequently shifting cities, Paswan gained notoriety as the “looting bride” or “looteri dulhan.” Her most recent con led to her arrest after Rajasthan Police tricked her into marrying an undercover constable as part of a planned sting operation.

The scam came to light following a complaint from Vishnu Sharma, a handcart vendor from Sawai Madhopur, who married Paswan on April 20 after being introduced to her through a local broker. Sharma had paid Rs 2 lakh to the agent, Pappu Meena, for arranging the match. The marriage, conducted according to Hindu rituals and attended by friends and family, appeared genuine.

Bride Cons Vendor, Flees with Valuables

“I run a handcart and got married by taking a loan. I had also borrowed a mobile, she took that too. I never sensed that she would cheat me,” Sharma said, recalling how he was drugged before she absconded with gold worth Rs 1.25 lakh, Rs 30,000 in cash, and a Rs 30,000 mobile phone.

“I usually don’t sleep much, but that night I slept like a baby, as if someone gave me a sleeping pill,” he added. His mother, still in disbelief, supported him as they reported the crime to local authorities.

Once alerted, the Sawai Madhopur police devised a plan to apprehend the fraudster. A police officer recounted, “From our team, we prepared a constable as a groom and tricked the woman into marriage.” The trap worked, and Paswan was taken into custody in Bhopal.

Shocking Revelations After Investigation

Investigations revealed that Paswan was the central figure in a sophisticated fraud ring that staged fake marriages to rob unsuspecting grooms. Using pictures and biodata shared on WhatsApp, agents would convince men into parting with large sums ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The gang’s agents, including names like Sunita, Roshni, Raghubir, Golu, Majboot Singh Yadav, and Arjan, played roles in organizing the fake marriages and facilitating the con.

She posed as a vulnerable young woman burdened by financial issues and an unemployed brother. She convinced targets that she was seeking a stable marital life, leading them to believe she was the perfect bride. After the wedding, usually held in a temple or home with ceremonial rituals, Paswan would quickly win over the groom’s family by being affectionate and responsible.

Shortly after, she would execute her plan drug the food, wait until everyone was asleep, and flee with gold, cash, and other valuables. She would then vanish, adopt a new identity, and restart the scheme in a different city.

Police Officer Describes the Incident After Investigation

Police officer Meetha Lal noted, “Upon investigation, all documents and marriage agreements were found to be fake.” He added that Paswan previously worked at a hospital in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, and separated from her husband after a domestic conflict before she joined the scam network in Bhopal.

Her arrest has helped expose a wider marriage scam racket that the authorities believe could have many more victims across various states.

This alarming case underlines the need for thorough verification and legal precautions before entering matrimonial arrangements. Authorities have advised the public to steer clear of unverified agents and to avoid handing over large sums of cash without due diligence. Choosing credible and registered marriage bureaus is also strongly recommended to prevent falling victim to such schemes.