Maharashtra: In Palghar district, Maharashtra, a 43-year-old man named Firoz Niaz Sheikh was arrested for allegedly marrying over 20 women across India and tricking them out of their money and valuables. The Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police (MBVV Police) took him into custody after a woman from Nala Sopara reported him. Sheikh was found to be targeting divorced and widowed women through matrimonial websites, marrying them, and then stealing from them before disappearing.

Senior Police Inspector Vijay Singh Bhagal explained that the accused’s method involved befriending women online, marrying them, and then disappearing with their belongings. One victim reported losing Rs 6.5 lakh in cash and valuables between October and November 2023.

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After the complaint, a detailed investigation resulted in the recovery of a laptop, mobile phone, debit and credit cards, checkbook, and jewelry from Sheikh when he was arrested in Kalyan, Thane district, on July 23. Further questioning revealed that Sheikh had deceived women not just in Maharashtra, but also in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Gujarat since 2015. The police believe there might be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

The accused has been charged with fraud and deceit under the applicable legal sections. Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have been affected by similar scams to come forward and report their experiences.

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