Headline: A serious case of alleged matrimonial fraud has emerged from Whitefield in Bengaluru, where a software engineer has accused a man she met through a matrimonial platform of cheating her of a large sum of money by falsely promising marriage. The complaint highlights how emotional trust, digital matchmaking, and financial manipulation intersected, ultimately resulting in an alleged loss of Rs 1.75 crore. The incident has raised fresh concerns around online matrimonial safety, financial transparency, and identity verification in digital relationships.
According to the police complaint, the accused, Vijay Raj Gowda, presented himself as a highly successful businessman with claimed assets worth several hundred crores. He reportedly met the complainant through a matrimonial website, where he portrayed himself as unmarried, financially independent, and ready to settle down. Over time, the relationship developed into one based on emotional assurance and long-term commitment, including repeated promises of marriage.
One of the most serious allegations involves the concealment of the accused’s marital status. The complainant stated that she was introduced to his family members near Kengeri, where his legally wedded wife was allegedly presented as his sister. This deliberate misrepresentation reportedly played a crucial role in building trust. The woman believed she was interacting with a genuine family environment, which reduced suspicion and strengthened emotional dependence.
As per the complaint, the accused gradually began seeking financial assistance by citing multiple crises. He allegedly claimed that his bank accounts were frozen due to cases initiated by the Enforcement Directorate and that he was facing ongoing court proceedings. These narratives were reportedly used to justify urgent financial needs. The complainant stated that she transferred money in stages, believing it was temporary support that would be returned after legal issues were resolved.
The case further alleges that the accused arranged loans in the complainant’s name and persuaded her to borrow money from friends and relatives. This expanded the financial impact beyond a personal loss and involved multiple individuals who trusted her judgment. Such tactics point toward a structured financial deception strategy, where emotional pressure and urgency were used to bypass rational financial decision-making.
The fraud reportedly came to light when only a small portion of the total amount, around Rs 22 lakh, was returned. When repayment was demanded, the accused allegedly issued threats, not only to the complainant but also to those who had lent money. This behavior reportedly raised serious red flags and prompted the victim to approach law enforcement authorities.
Based on the complaint, the police registered a case against Vijay Raj Gowda, his father Boregowda, and Soumya, whom investigators believe to be Vijay’s wife. The complaint was initially filed at the Whitefield Police Station and later transferred to the Kengeri Police Station for further investigation. Authorities are currently examining financial records, personal identities, and the role of each accused individual in the alleged fraud.
This case underscores the vulnerabilities associated with online matrimonial platforms, especially when identity verification and background checks are limited. Professionals with stable careers can also become victims when emotional trust is exploited systematically. The incident serves as a cautionary example of how financial fraud can be disguised as a personal relationship, making detection more difficult until significant damage has already occurred.
Experts emphasize the importance of financial caution in personal relationships, particularly those formed online. Independent verification of personal claims, legal marital status, and financial background can reduce risk. Additionally, timely reporting to authorities can help prevent further losses and protect others from falling into similar traps.
