Ahmedabad: Bogus cop woos woman on dating app, cheats her of ₹80k

Ahmedabad: A 35-year-old insurance company employee from the city was allegedly duped of Rs 79,700 by a man who posed as a police sub-inspector on a dating application and promised to marry her.

According to the FIR filed with Navrangpura police, the woman had created an account on a dating app to find a suitable life partner. On May 11, she received a match request from a person identifying himself as Rocky Panchal. His profile allegedly featured photographs in police uniform, while his Instagram profile described him as a “crime branch cybersecurity officer”.

Police said the accused contacted the woman through texts, audio and video calls over the next few days. Claiming to be a sub-inspector with Gujarat Police, he allegedly gained her trust by repeatedly discussing marriage and later met her at her residence on May 16.

During the meeting, the accused allegedly told the woman that construction work was underway at his Satellite home, and that he urgently needed money to pay a contractor. He allegedly told her he was short of funds and requested Rs 79,700, assuring her he would return the amount the next day because his UPI transaction limit had been exhausted.

Believing his claims, the woman transferred the money through UPI to a mobile number provided by him.

The next day, the accused allegedly called her to a hotel near Vaishnodevi Circle. Later that night, he allegedly sought another Rs 60,000 for purchasing mobile phones for “official work” and also asked for her Aadhaar and PAN details.

The woman grew suspicious and refused to share documents or transfer more money. Upon making inquiries, she discovered that the man was not a police officer. Navrangpura police registered a case of cheating and impersonation against the accused and began an investigation.