Daijiworld Media Network – Sawai Madhopur

Sawai Madhopur, May 20: In a sensational breakthrough, Sawai Madhopur Police have arrested 32-year-old Anuradha Paswan infamously known as the ‘Looteri Dulhan’ for masterminding a fake marriage racket that duped at least 25 men across states of lacs in jewellery and cash.

Paswan, originally from Madhya Pradesh, posed as the quintessential poor and helpless bride, luring unsuspecting grooms into marriages through elaborate deception. With a new name, identity, and city each time, she would charm grooms and their families before disappearing with valuables just days after marriage.

The modus operandi of her gang involved a broker, often a gang member, who introduced her profile as the ‘perfect match’ to prospective grooms. The broker would charge Rs 2 lac to arrange the match, which would then be solemnized either at home or in temples as per traditional Hindu rituals.

Once married, Paswan would quickly win the family's trust, playing the ideal bride and affectionate daughter-in-law. Days later, she would spike their food, collect jewellery, cash, and mobile phones, and vanish without a trace.

Her latest victim, Vishnu Sharma from Sawai Madhopur, fell prey to this scheme on April 20. A street vendor by profession, Vishnu married Paswan after paying Rs 2 lac to the matchmaker. Within two weeks, she fled with Rs 1.25 lac worth of jewellery, Rs 30,000 in cash, and a mobile phone worth Rs 30,000.

“I took a loan for the marriage and even borrowed a mobile phone. She took everything and left,” a shocked Vishnu said. “That night I slept deeply, unlike usual. I now believe she mixed something in the food.”

Acting on Sharma’s complaint, Sawai Madhopur Police devised a clever trap. A constable was disguised as a prospective groom and approached Paswan’s agent, who showed him fake profiles including hers. The police then prepared fake documents and successfully lured Paswan into yet another sham marriage only this time, the bride walked into a police trap.

“During the investigation, all documents and marriage certificates were found to be forged. We arrested Anuradha Paswan in Bhopal after confirming her involvement in multiple similar cases,” a senior police officer confirmed.

Paswan’s arrest has not only brought relief to several victims but also unearthed a wider network of con artists exploiting the institution of marriage for crime and profit. Further investigation is underway to identify and arrest her accomplices.