Pramesh S Jain
In a shocking case of matrimonial fraud,a man allegedly cheated a young software engineer of nearly Rs.1.75 crore after promising marriage,with police booking three members of the same family for their role in the crime.
The accused has been identified as Vijay Raj Gowda, along with his father Boregowda and a woman named Soumya.
The victim,a software engineer from Whitefield, approached the police after discovering that the man who promised to marry her was already married and had a child.
According to the complaint,the victim came into contact with Vijay Raj Gowda through a matrimonial website in March 2024.
He allegedly projected himself as a wealthy businessman,claiming ownership of assets worth Rs.715 crore,and said he ran a company named VRG Enterprises.He also claimed that an Enforcement Directorate (ED) case registered against him had been settled.
Gowda allegedly gained the victim’s trust by introducing her to his family and assuring her that he would marry her.During one such meeting near Kengeri,he introduced his wife as his“sister,”concealing his marital status.
Later,he claimed that his bank accounts had been frozen due to an ED-related issue and showed her alleged court documents,including copies purportedly related to cases in the High Court and Supreme Court.Citing financial difficulties,he initially borrowed Rs.15,000,followed by larger amounts.
Senior officer told reporters that the accused persuaded the victim to take loans in her name and also induced her to borrow money from friends and relatives, promising joint business ventures.He further encouraged the victim’s friends to invest,assuring them of high returns.
Over several months,the accused allegedly collected money in instalments from the victim,her friends,and relatives,amounting to Rs.1.75 crore.Though he returned Rs.22 lakh at one point,he later refused to repay the remaining amount.
When the victim and her friends demanded their money back, the accused allegedly issued federal threats.The fraud came to light when the victim discovered that Gowda was already married and had a child.
Following the complaint,a case was initially registered at the Whitefield Police Station and later transferred to the Kengeri Police Station for further investigation.
Police have registered a case against all three accused and are probing the role of each family member in the alleged conspiracy.Further investigation is underway.
