Jammu, Aug 23 — Jammu Police on Saturday said they busted a fraudulent marriage racket in Chowki Choura, Akhnoor, arresting five people, including a woman who posed as the bride.
Police said the case came to light after a complaint was filed at Police Station Akhnoor on August 11, 2025. An FIR (No. 140/2025) was registered under sections 318(4)/82(2)/61(2) BNS. The probe was led by IC PP Chowki Choura Vinay Kotwal, under the supervision of SHO Akhnoor and SDPO Akhnoor.
According to the complaint, Deepak Kumar, a resident of Dhana Chapri, Chowki Choura, approached the complainant Rashpal Chand of Dori Dager with a marriage proposal from outside the Union Territory and demanded ₹3 lakh. After the wedding, the bride fled with accomplices within two days, cheating the groom’s family.
Investigations revealed the accused were running a fake marriage bureau racket, arranging everything — including the bride, priest, and rituals. Soon after marriage, the bride would abandon the groom, while victims, fearing social stigma, often avoided reporting the fraud.
The arrested accused have been identified as:
- Deepak Kumar, S/o Baldev Raj, R/o Dhana Chapri, Chowki Choura
- Vikas Kumar, S/o Netar Parkash, R/o Poonch
- Arun Kumar, S/o Raj Kumar, R/o Bihar
- Istakhar, S/o Salim, R/o Uttar Pradesh
- Kusum Lata, R/o Uttar Pradesh (bride)
Police said at least four similar cases have now surfaced — two from Akhnoor and two from Nagrota — where inquiries are in progress.
The probe is being closely monitored by SP Rural Jammu and SSP Jammu. Authorities have urged the public to remain alert and report any such suspicious activity, noting that the racket mainly targets vulnerable individuals, including those unable to find suitable matches or considered overage for marriage.
