'Looteri Dulhan': Gujarat Police Busts Gang Conning Wannabe Grooms, Arrests 5

Runaway Bride in India? A man after years of bride hunt was ecstatic to finally get to live his dream of married life at 31 when he met Rinkle Pandya through a friend's connection in February. However, his contentment was just a matter of fact only to find out 10 days post-marriage that he was a victim of the 'Looteri Dulhan' gang. 

A 31-year-old man Ajaysinh Solanki underwent a terrifying incident when he woke up to find he was looted by his bride who fled away with with cash, gold and other valuables.

'Looteri Dulhan' Gang Feeleces Desperate Grooms In Gujarat

The modus operandi of this women dacoit gang of Gujarat was exposed when Solanki, fallen prey to this 'Looteri Dulhan' gang lodged a complaint to the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Gir's Somnath on March 8 after discovering to be looted by a pseudo wife who not only used a fake name but also defrauded him with a false religion. 

Based on Solanki's complaint and details about the specific whereabouts of his eloped wife, Somnath police managed to catch Rinkle Pandya alias Kausar Bano, along with four others named Muskan Mirza alias Komal, Shamim alias Seema Joshi, Nagdev Hiralal, and Narsinh Varja. 

Unfolding the modus operandi after arresting five members of the 'looteri gang' within a day, Somnath police discovered that these women got a commission for arranging a marriage and targeted desperate men seeking marriage only to loot them later. The mastermind of the gang Riyaz, husband of Muskan Mirza who is on the run used to forge these women's Aadhar cards and school leaving certificates to change their names and even religions to lead the crime. 

For the services of finding a bride to arrange their marriage, Solanki also allegedly paid the gang members who duped playing different roles in making Solanki meet his perfect match as he paid a lumpsum amount, reportedly exceeding a lakh rupees to get married. 

Though the arrested accused people claim Solanki was their first targeted person, police officers suspect many young men have been prey to their crimes and apprehended all the members under relevant IPC sections for forgery, cheating, theft, criminal conspiracy, and others. 

Authorities are also urging caution from families seeking brides through online platforms. Officials recommend conducting thorough background checks and verification of identities before finalising any matrimonial alliances. The police are actively investigating the 'Looteri Dulhan' gang and have launched a manhunt to apprehend Riyaz who is at large.