Telangana: He Thought She Was His Bride, But It Was A Man Changing His Voice; Online Marriage Scam Busted

Last Updated:October 29, 2025, 18:37 IST

Manji allegedly told the victim he needed to pay money to a lawyer for legal expenses. The victim transferred Rs 8 lakh in several installments, believing the story was genuine

Police said Manji played both roles — posing as the woman and as someone handling her legal affairs. (AI-generated Image)

In a bizarre case of cyber cheating, Adilabad police have arrested a three-member gang that allegedly duped people by changing their voices over phone calls and posing as potential marriage matches.

Officials seized Rs 1.5 lakh in cash and three mobile phones from the suspects, who allegedly used fake identities and digital manipulation to cheat victims emotionally and financially.

The incident took place when M Laxmikant, a resident of Adilabad town, was looking for a marriage alliance on a social media platform. He came in contact with a man named Roopavath Shravan Kumar from Ramachandrapuram in Suryapet district.

Shravan introduced Laxmikant to another person, Maloth Manji, claiming he knew a girl named Krishnaveni. But in reality, Manji himself pretended to be Krishnaveni, using a voice-changing technique to sound like a woman.

Over several conversations, Manji gained the victim’s trust by presenting “Krishnaveni" as a wealthy woman with properties tied up in a court case and a gold business under her name.

How The Gang Operated

Police said Manji played both roles — posing as the woman and as someone handling her legal affairs. He convinced the victim that after marriage, he would inherit the business and manage her assets.

Under this pretext, Manji allegedly told the victim that he needed to pay money to a lawyer for legal expenses. Over time, Laxmikant transferred Rs 8 lakh in several installments, believing the story was genuine.

When the promised marriage and repayments never happened, the victim realised he had been duped and lodged a complaint with Adilabad One Town Police Station.

Swift Police Action

On the directions of District Superintendent of Police (DSP) Akhil Mahajan, a special team was formed, led by the Cyber Cell and One Town Police. Within 48 hours, the investigation team traced the suspects to Suryapet district and arrested all three — Maloth Manji, Bukya Ganesh, and Roopavath Shravan Kumar.

Police recovered Rs 1.5 lakh in cash and three mobile phones used in the operation.

Adilabad DSP Jeevan Reddy said the gang relied on impersonation and emotional manipulation to exploit victims. “They used voice-changing techniques to sound convincing. People should be alert when dealing with strangers online, especially in matters involving marriage or money," he said.

An Eye-Opener For Online Users

The DSP warned that such scams are becoming increasingly common, especially on matrimonial and social media platforms, where fraudsters exploit emotions and trust.

He urged citizens to verify identities before making financial transactions or commitments online. “This case is an eye-opener. Never send money to anyone you have not met in person. Always cross-check details," he added.

The police have registered a case and are verifying whether the gang had cheated others using similar tactics.

Rising Online Matrimonial Scams In Telangana

Cases like this are part of a growing trend across Telangana and other states where cybercriminals impersonate potential brides or grooms to lure victims into transferring money. Police say such scams often involve fake profiles, manipulated photos, and voice-modifying apps.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 1,500 cases of matrimonial fraud were reported in 2022, but the actual number is believed to be significantly higher.

Authorities have urged the public to be cautious and to report any suspicious activity to the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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