Sun Jan 18 15:20:11 UTC 2026: ### Techie Duped of ₹1.75 Crore in Matrimonial Fraud

The Story:
A 29-year-old software engineer from Whitefield, Bengaluru, fell victim to a elaborate matrimonial fraud, losing nearly ₹1.75 crore. The victim was allegedly conned by Vijay Raj Gowda and his family, who portrayed him as a wealthy businessman seeking marriage. Gowda, already married with a child, allegedly fabricated financial troubles and induced the victim to take loans and invest her money, along with funds from her friends and relatives, into fictitious business ventures.

Key Points:

  • The victim met Vijay Raj Gowda through a matrimonial website in March 2024.
  • Gowda claimed ownership of assets worth ₹715 crore.
  • Gowda introduced his wife as his ‘sister’ to conceal his marital status.
  • Gowda claimed his bank accounts were frozen and showed fake court documents.
  • The victim and her network lost ₹1.75 crore, with only ₹22 lakh returned.
  • The victim and her friends were allegedly threatened when they demanded their money back.
  • A case has been registered at the Kengeri Police Station against Vijay Raj Gowda, his father Boregowda, and a woman named Soumya.

Critical Analysis (Omitted): The provided context does not reveal any significant patterns or strategic depth related to this isolated incident.

Key Takeaways:

  • Matrimonial websites continue to be exploited by fraudsters seeking financial gain.
  • Sophisticated scams involving fabricated financial distress and fake legal documents are becoming more prevalent.
  • The involvement of entire families in such schemes indicates a high degree of premeditation and coordination.
  • The vulnerability of individuals to romantic fraud highlights the importance of thorough due diligence and skepticism in online relationships.
  • Stringent enforcement and public awareness campaigns are crucial in combating matrimonial fraud.

Impact Analysis (Omitted): The incident, while significant for the victim, doesn’t immediately indicate broader long-term impacts beyond raising awareness about online fraud risks.

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