Bengaluru: Police in Bagalgunte have arrested a 29-year-old man on charges of cheating, sexual exploitation and theft after he allegedly duped a woman of nearly ₹20 lakh in cash and about 200 grams of gold by luring her into a romantic and live-in relationship. The accused has also been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly assaulting a minor girl linked to the same family, police said.

The arrested man has been identified as Shubham Shukla. Investigations have revealed a disturbing chain of events that allegedly began in Nelamangala and eventually led to prolonged exploitation of two sisters, one of whom is a minor.

Case began with minor girl, say police

According to police officials, Shukla initially befriended a minor girl and allegedly sexually assaulted her. During the course of the investigation, police said the accused used his proximity to the minor to gain access to her family, laying the groundwork for further exploitation.

“Preliminary inquiry suggests that the accused deliberately targeted the family and used the minor girl as a means to establish trust,” a senior police officer said.

The alleged abuse of the minor has resulted in Shukla being booked under stringent provisions of the POCSO Act, in addition to charges related to cheating and criminal breach of trust.

Elder sister lured into relationship

After gaining access to the family, Shukla allegedly shifted his focus to the elder sister. Police said he lured her into a romantic relationship, eventually convincing her to move in with him under the promise of marriage and a stable future.

As part of his plan, Shukla allegedly persuaded the woman to lie to her parents, telling them that she was moving to Mumbai for employment. Instead, the couple stayed together in Bengaluru for nearly three years, during which time the accused is alleged to have systematically siphoned off money and valuables from her.

Investigators said the woman trusted Shukla completely and handed over her savings, gold jewellery and other valuables, believing they would soon get married.

Nearly ₹20 lakh and 200 grams of gold taken

Police estimates indicate that the accused cheated the woman of close to ₹20 lakh in cash and around 200 grams of gold over the course of the relationship. The money was allegedly taken under various pretexts, including business investments, emergencies and future planning.

“The accused created a convincing narrative and exploited the emotional vulnerability of the victim. He took advantage of the live-in arrangement to gain complete financial control over her,” an investigating officer said.

Shocking revelation of marriage

The turning point in the case came when the woman discovered that Shukla was already married. When confronted, the accused allegedly promised to divorce his wife and regularise their relationship. However, police said the abuse continued, with the woman subjected to daily harassment — both mental and physical.

Despite repeated assurances, Shukla allegedly neither initiated divorce proceedings nor returned the money and gold. Police said the situation worsened to the extent that the woman feared for her safety.

Victim escapes, lodges complaint

Unable to bear the alleged abuse and deception any longer, the woman eventually managed to escape from the accused. She later approached the police and lodged a detailed complaint narrating the exploitation she had faced over the years.

Based on her complaint, police registered multiple cases, including cheating, criminal breach of trust and offences under the POCSO Act relating to the minor sister.

Following a detailed investigation, Shukla was tracked down and arrested by the Bagalgunte police.

Accused in custody, probe continues

Police officials said the accused is currently in custody and further investigation is under way to ascertain whether he has cheated other women using a similar modus operandi.

“We are examining his financial transactions and background in detail. The possibility of similar offences elsewhere cannot be ruled out at this stage,” a police officer said, adding that efforts are also being made to recover the cheated money and gold.

Conclusion

The case has once again highlighted the dangers of emotional manipulation and financial exploitation under the guise of romantic relationships. Police have urged the public, especially young women, to exercise caution and report suspicious behaviour at the earliest to prevent prolonged abuse and exploitation.