‘Looteri Dulhan’ Arrested for Marrying and Scamming Rich Grooms for Rs 1.25 Crore
In a shocking case that has captivated the nation, Seema, also known as Nikki, a woman from Uttarakhand, has been arrested by the Jaipur Police for allegedly scamming three men out of a staggering Rs 1.25 crore over a span of more than a decade. Described as a “looteri dulhan” (looting bride), Seema is accused of marrying wealthy men, blackmailing them, and then using fraudulent legal means to extort money through settlements.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about the rise of matrimonial fraud and the need for vigilance in online matchmaking.
The Series of Fraudulent Marriages
Seema’s scam started in 2013 when she married a businessman from Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Shortly after the marriage, she filed a false case against her in-laws, accusing them of mistreating her. The pressure of a legal case led to a settlement of Rs 75 lakh, which Seema reportedly took without a second thought.
Her second marriage came in 2017, when Seema wed a software engineer from Gurugram. This time, after a brief period, she filed for divorce and demanded Rs 10 lakh as part of the settlement. Seema’s ability to deceive her husbands and their families with such ease became her hallmark.
In 2023, Seema married a Jaipur-based businessman, but once again, her ulterior motives became clear. After marrying him, she allegedly fled with cash and jewellery worth Rs 36 lakh from her husband’s home. It was only after this that the family filed a case, leading to her arrest by the Jaipur Police.
Targeting Wealthy Men on Matrimonial Websites
One of the key details revealed by the police during their investigation is Seema’s method of targeting men. She used matrimonial websites to find her victims, often preferring men who were divorced or had recently lost their spouses. These men, according to police, were often vulnerable and eager to remarry, making them easier targets for Seema’s scam.
Her modus operandi involved marrying the men, living with them for a short time, and then fabricating stories of mistreatment or abuse. Seema would then file legal cases against the families or husbands, demanding money in exchange for settling the case. This manipulative approach not only exploited the legal system but also caused emotional and financial harm to her victims.
The Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
The breakthrough in the case came when Seema’s latest victim in Jaipur reported the theft of Rs 36 lakh in cash and jewellery. Authorities quickly launched an investigation and traced Seema to her hometown in Uttarakhand, where she was arrested.
During the probe, the police uncovered the full extent of her scams, which had taken place in multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The total amount Seema extorted from her victims amounted to a staggering Rs 1.25 crore.
“The victim’s family in Jaipur filed a case of theft and fraud after the bride fled with valuable assets. Further investigation led to the discovery of her earlier fraudulent marriages and the cases she had filed against her in-laws,” said a police official involved in the investigation.
A Growing Problem: Matrimonial Fraud in India
Seema’s case sheds light on a disturbing trend of matrimonial fraud that has been growing in India in recent years. With the rise of online matrimonial services, it has become easier for con artists to target individuals looking for marriage, especially vulnerable and wealthy people seeking companionship or remarriage.
While matrimonial fraud cases are not new, the use of legal settlements as a means to extort large sums of money is a tactic that has gained prominence in recent years. Legal experts suggest that individuals should be more cautious and take thorough background checks before entering into any marriage, especially when meeting someone through online platforms.
Victim Blaming and the Role of Social Media
Another concerning aspect of Seema’s case is the social stigma often associated with men who are victims of such scams. Social media and public opinion frequently blame the men, asking why they didn’t investigate further or questioning their decisions. However, experts emphasize that victims of such frauds are often under emotional and psychological pressure, making it difficult for them to recognize manipulative tactics.
“Victims of matrimonial fraud should be given the support they need, rather than being blamed for their unfortunate experiences,” said a social worker specializing in domestic violence and fraud cases.
What’s Next for Seema?
Seema’s arrest has raised many questions about the long-term impact of her actions, both on her victims and the broader societal perception of marriage. While she faces multiple charges, including fraud and theft, police are continuing to investigate whether there are other victims of her scams.
Legal experts suggest that Seema could face severe penalties if convicted, not only for theft and fraud but also for misusing the legal system for personal gain.
The case also highlights the need for greater regulation of online matrimonial platforms, where individuals may not always be as transparent about their intentions. Authorities are likely to review the current safety measures on such platforms to prevent future cases of fraud.