A 32-year-old man accused of cheating several women through online matrimonial platforms has been arrested by the police, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The accused, identified as Sushanth Poojary, also known as Sushanth Ankush Poojary and Sushanth G Karkera, allegedly targeted women on matrimonial websites by promising marriage, collecting money, and later disappearing.
According to police, Poojary befriended a woman through a matrimonial portal and married her in Navi Mumbai on February 2, 2025. After the wedding, he reportedly collected ₹6.6 lakh from her in multiple instalments. On November 15, 2025, he allegedly went missing, prompting suspicion.
Upon further inquiry, the complainant discovered that Poojary had allegedly deceived multiple women using a similar method. Investigations also revealed that he had concealed an earlier marriage.
Based on her complaint, the Kavoor police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He was traced and arrested on February 5.
During interrogation, police said Poojary admitted to marrying a woman in Udupi in 2021 and cheating several others across Karnataka and Maharashtra under the pretext of marriage.
Investigators revealed that he allegedly duped two women each in Udupi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, along with another woman in Karkala, following the same pattern.
Police also arrested his alleged accomplice, Bhaskar, a resident of Mulki near Mangaluru. Bhaskar is accused of posing as Poojary’s relative, helping gain the trust of the complainant’s family, and even participating in wedding rituals in Mumbai.
Both accused were produced before a court and have been remanded to judicial custody.
Authorities further stated that Poojary has a criminal history, with prior cases registered in Karnataka for cheating and theft. In Maharashtra, he faces serious charges under the IPC, the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, and provisions of the POCSO Act.
The Mangaluru City Police are continuing their investigation into the case.
