Damoh: 'Bride Robbery' Gang Busted, Three Arrested for Rs 4.10 Lakh Fraud

'Bride Robbery' Gang Uncovered in Damoh

Damoh Dehat police have successfully dismantled a notorious 'bride robbery' gang, apprehending three individuals involved in a marriage fraud scheme. The gang allegedly swindled a man out of ₹4.10 lakh in cash and jewelry worth lakhs under the guise of marriage.

The investigation was triggered when Dinesh Vishwakarma, a resident of Bansatarkheda, filed a report at the Damoh Dehat police station. He detailed how Narmada Patel, Neeraj alias Dheeraj Patel, and Malati Patel orchestrated his marriage to Khushboo Rajput of Jabalpur.

Marriage Fraud Unfolds

The wedding took place on April 20, 2026, at the Raniganj Temple. In exchange for the marriage, Dinesh paid the accused ₹1.70 lakh in cash and ₹2.40 lakh worth of jewelry. Just three days after the wedding, on April 23, Malati Patel, posing as the bride's elder sister, took Khushboo Rajput to Jabalpur.

Following this, the accused severed all contact with Dinesh Vishwakarma, completing their fraudulent act. Acting on the complaint, a police team, under the guidance of the Superintendent of Police, commenced an investigation.

Arrests and Confessions

During the investigation, on August 28, the police arrested Narmada Patel (resident of Bansatarkheda) and Malati Patel (resident of Kanera). In custody, Malati Patel confessed that she, along with her husband Neeraj alias Dheeraj Patel, conducted these marriage-related frauds. Neeraj Patel is currently incarcerated in Panna jail.

'Bride Robber' Arrested in Jabalpur

Subsequently, on August 31, police apprehended the 'bride robber' herself, Khushboo Rajput (resident of Ranjhi, Jabalpur). Further investigation revealed that Khushboo Rajput had also contracted a second marriage in Kota, Rajasthan, confirming her active involvement in the gang's operations.

A case has been registered against the arrested individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. The police team involved in the operation included Inspector Dharmendra Upadhyay, Sub-Inspector Vikram Dangi, Head Constable Ramkumar, Constables Akhilesh Chhari, Yogendra, Manish, Women Constable Rachna Vishwakarma, Woman Soldier Geeta Patel, and Soldier Mahfuz.