Mumbai woman booked for cheating UK-based man of ₹15.72 lakh on false promise of marriage

The D.N. Nagar Police in Mumbai have registered a cheating case against a 46-year-old woman after a UK-based Indian-origin man alleged that she fraudulently obtained more than ₹15.72 lakh from him by promising marriage while concealing details about her past relationships. SouthAsians & Diaspora

According to police, the complainant, Amit Gadhvi, originally from Jamnagar in Gujarat and currently residing in Leicester, United Kingdom, came into contact with the accused, Rekha Hamir Solanki, through a matrimonial website in July 2020. Gadhvi had reportedly created a profile on the platform after his divorce and was looking for a life partner.

Police said that after connecting through the matrimonial portal, the two began communicating regularly via WhatsApp calls and messages. During their conversations, Solanki allegedly introduced herself as a divorcee living in Andheri West, Mumbai, with her teenage daughter.

According to the complaint, Solanki gradually gained Gadhvi’s trust and repeatedly sought financial assistance on various pretexts, including visa expenses, air tickets, rent, personal expenses and other emergencies. Believing the relationship would eventually lead to marriage, Gadhvi allegedly transferred money to her through Western Union on multiple occasions between July 2020 and July 2021.

Police said the complainant initially sent money to facilitate visa applications and travel arrangements for Solanki and her daughter to visit the United Kingdom. The woman and her daughter reportedly travelled to the UK in November 2020, during which an engagement ceremony was allegedly held in the presence of friends and family members.

During her stay in the UK, Gadhvi also allegedly purchased an iPhone worth around £1,200 for Solanki’s daughter and provided Solanki with cash and travel-related expenses. He further claimed that he continued sending her money even after she returned to India. SouthAsians & Diaspora

According to the complaint, Gadhvi transferred a total of 15,669 British Pounds, equivalent to approximately ₹15.72 lakh.

The complainant later became suspicious after allegedly learning from mutual acquaintances that Solanki had been involved in multiple marriages and had previously obtained money from other men on the promise of marriage. Upon confronting her, she allegedly admitted that she had been married three times. Gadhvi also claimed that she had concealed an alleged relationship with another man.

Realising that he may have been deceived, Gadhvi stopped sending money in July 2021. Despite repeated attempts by Solanki, her daughter and her sister to persuade him to continue the relationship, he refused. The complainant further alleged that he was subsequently blocked on WhatsApp by the accused.

Based on the complaint, the D.N. Nagar Police have registered a case against Rekha Hamir Solanki under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code for cheating. Police said an investigation has been initiated, and officials are examining the financial transactions and other evidence submitted by the complainant. Further investigation is underway.