Mangaluru:A 32-year-old youth from Kavoor has been arrested by the Kavoor police for allegedly cheating multiple women across several cities by using matrimonial websites, promising marriage, conducting wedding ceremonies in some cases, and fraudulently collecting money before disappearing. The accused has been identified as Sushanth Poojary alias Sushanth Ankush Poojary, also known as Sushanth G. Karkera. Police have also arrested a second accused, Bhaskar from Mulki, for allegedly assisting him in executing at least one of the fraudulent marriages.
According to police officials, the accused used online matrimonial platforms to contact women from different cities, build relationships with them, and convince them of his intention to marry. After gaining their trust, he allegedly extracted money under various pretexts linked to marriage and personal needs. In some instances, he is said to have gone through formal marriage rituals despite already being married earlier.
Fraud spread across multiple cities
Police investigations reveal that the alleged fraud spanned across Mumbai, Udupi, Bengaluru and Karkala. Authorities say Sushanth followed a similar modus operandi in each case — identifying prospective brides on matrimonial portals, initiating conversations, presenting himself as a suitable groom, and accelerating marriage discussions.
In a key complaint that led to his arrest, a woman from Mumbai stated that she came into contact with Sushanth through a matrimonial website. Their interaction progressed quickly, and the two were married on February 2, 2025, in Navi Mumbai through religious rituals. Following the marriage, Sushanth allegedly collected about ₹6.6 lakh from her in instalments for various stated needs.
Police said that after receiving the money, he gradually reduced contact and eventually went missing on November 15. When the woman grew suspicious and began making independent inquiries, she reportedly discovered that several other women in different cities had been cheated using a similar pattern.
Earlier marriages and multiple victims
During interrogation after his arrest on February 5, Sushanth reportedly confessed to having married another woman from Udupi in 2021. Investigators say he admitted to cheating at least two women each in Udupi, Mumbai and Bengaluru by promising marriage and taking money. He is also accused of cheating a woman in Karkala using the same approach.
Police said that in several cases, the accused allegedly created convincing personal profiles, used different name variations, and maintained parallel relationships with multiple women at the same time. He reportedly avoided long-term traceability by frequently changing contact details and locations.
Officials added that further verification is underway to identify whether more victims are involved, as investigators suspect the number of affected women could be higher than currently recorded.
Role of second accused Bhaskar
Police have also arrested Bhaskar, a resident of Mulki, for allegedly helping Sushanth carry out the Mumbai marriage fraud. According to investigators, Bhaskar introduced Sushanth to the Mumbai woman’s family as his brother-in-law in order to build credibility and reduce suspicion.
He is also alleged to have actively participated in the wedding rituals, representing himself as a family member of the groom. Police believe this false representation played a key role in convincing the bride’s family that the marriage was genuine.
Bhaskar has been produced before the court along with Sushanth and remanded to judicial custody. Police are examining whether he assisted in other cases as well.
Multiple prior cases registered
Police records indicate that Sushanth Poojary already faces multiple criminal cases in different jurisdictions. Cases have reportedly been registered against him at Urwa Police Station in Mangaluru, Kota Police Station in Udupi district, and Arnala Police Station in Maharashtra. These cases include charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the POCSO Act.
Investigators are now coordinating across districts and states to consolidate evidence and victim statements. Digital evidence from matrimonial platforms, financial transaction trails, and communication records are also being analysed.
Investigation continues
Mangaluru police said the investigation is ongoing and more complainants may come forward as details of the arrest become widely known. Officials have urged citizens using matrimonial platforms to verify background details thoroughly and proceed cautiously before financial transactions.
Authorities are also expected to write to matrimonial websites seeking account histories and profile data linked to the accused to support the prosecution.
With inter-state elements and multiple victims involved, the case is likely to expand further as police continue their probe.