The Thane Police have arrested two men, including one on October 9, for allegedly cheating people through fake matrimonial profiles, promising marriage and persuading them to part with gold jewellery and cash. Police said the investigation has led to the detection of 19 cases registered across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane.
The accused have been identified as Dinesh Babu Manekar (39), a resident of Mahape in Navi Mumbai, and his alleged accomplice Suresh alias Babu Tanaji Mhatre (55), a resident of Chikhali in Raigad district.
According to police, the accused allegedly targeted unmarried women and men through matrimonial platforms. After establishing contact and gaining their trust, they would promise marriage and convince victims to hand over gold ornaments and cash before disappearing with the valuables.
The investigation began after a cheating case was registered at Badlapur West police station under Sections 318(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). During the investigation, police identified Manekar as a suspect and arrested him from Mahape, Navi Mumbai, on October 9.
Further investigation led police to Mr. Mhatre, who was subsequently arrested in Navi Mumbai. Police said the two accused were allegedly involved in similar offences across multiple jurisdictions.
During the operation, police recovered ₹14.25 lakh in cash and 311 grams of gold ornaments, collectively valued at approximately ₹24.24 lakh.
Police said the investigation has led to the detection of 19 offences, including 17 cases linked to the two arrested accused and two additional cases involving Manekar. These include cases registered at Badlapur West, Badlapur East, Ulhasnagar, Shivajinagar, Mulund, Panvel City and Koparkhairane police stations.
Investigators also found that Manekar had an extensive criminal record, with 29 serious offences, including robbery, theft, cheating and dacoity, registered against him across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar and Thane. Police said further investigation was underway to determine whether the accused were involved in additional offences.
The operation was carried out by the Ulhasnagar Crime Branch under the Thane Police Commissionerate, under the supervision of Thane Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre and other senior officers.