The City Crime Branch has arrested a brother-sister duo for allegedly cheating a US-based NRI, Venkat Kalga, of Rs 2.68 crore through a fake profile on a popular matrimonial website.
Venkat, originally from Andhra Pradesh and currently residing in North Carolina, began communicating in March 2023 with a profile named “Barkha Jeswani.” The profile, created by Simran Jeswani, used photos stolen from an Instagram model to gain trust.
Simran and her brother Vishal Jeswani convinced Venkat of their seriousness about marriage. They shifted their communication to WhatsApp and began requesting money for various fabricated reasons, including medical emergencies, travel expenses, and family troubles.
Between April 2023 and June 2024, Venkat transferred Rs 2.68 crore in multiple instalments to bank accounts linked to the accused and their relatives. Following his complaint, a case was registered under IPC Sections 419, 420, and 34.
Simran was arrested from Indore, while Vishal was nabbed from Ahmedabad. Both admitted to using the funds to clear debts, buy vehicles, and invest in businesses. They are currently in police custody, and investigations continue.
DCP Rajesh Kumar Tripathi highlighted the rise of digital fraud using fake matrimonial profiles targeting NRIs. He urged the public to verify identities before sharing personal details or money online.
