Man loses Rs 1.2 lakh to gang while trying to find match for sister

Bengaluru, Feb 3: A 32-y e ar-old private firm employee, who was searching for a suitable match for his younger sister on matrimonial websites, was cheated of Rs 1.2 lakh by a tech-savvy gang.

Saurabh Kumar Nema, a resident of Jakkasandra Extension, approached Koramangala police on Thursday and filed a complaint against two people, including the man who posed as prospective bridegroom.

Nema said he uploaded his sister's profile on a matrimonial site recently. A person, who had created a profile on the matrimonial site in the name of Krishna Mahendra, evinced interest in Nema's sister.

"Saurabh agreed to the proposal as Mahendra posed as a doctor settled in the US. They exchanged contact numbers and kept messaging on WhatsApp. Mahendra informed him that he would reach Bengaluru in February and the engagement could be held once he reaches India," said police.

Meanwhile, Mahe ndra told Saurabh that he had sent a costly gift for his sister. Saurabh received a call from a woman claiming to be a customs department official on January 25, who said a gift addressed to him had reached her. She asked him to pay Rs 28,000 as customs duty.

Saurabh made the payment to a bank account provided by the woman and a day later, he received another call seeking Rs 95,000 towards various charges and taxes to release the gift. Saurabh paid the money, but realised that he had been cheated after the gift did not reach his house. A hunt is on for the miscreants.