Jammu police bust fraudulent marriage racket in Chowki Choura; 5 arrested including fake bride

Police inquiry revealed that the group had set up a full-fledged fake marriage bureau. The gang would arrange everything—from a so-called bride and priest to the rituals—only to have the woman desert the groom shortly after the wedding.

Srinagar: Jammu Police dismantled a marriage scam in Chowki Choura area of Akhnoor and arrested five accused along with a woman who was being passed off as the bride on on Saturday, said police official.

According to officials, the case was taken up after Police Station Akhnoor registered FIR No. 140/2025 on August 11 under sections 318(4)/82(2)/61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint had alleged that a group was cheating locals through fake matrimonial arrangements. Investigation was immediately assigned to IC PP Chowki Choura, Vinay Kotwal, under the guidance of SHO Akhnoor and SDPO Akhnoor.

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The complainant, identified as Rashpal Chand S/o Chatru Ram of Dori Dager, Chowki Choura, told police that Deepak Kumar S/o Baldev Raj of Dhana Chapri had approached him with a marriage proposal from outside J&K and demanded Rs 3 lakh. After the wedding rituals were completed, the bride and her associates disappeared within two days, leaving the complainant defrauded.

Fake Marriage Bureau

Police inquiry revealed that the group had set up a full-fledged fake marriage bureau. The gang would arrange everything—from a so-called bride and priest to the rituals—only to have the woman desert the groom shortly after the wedding. Officials noted that social embarrassment often prevented victims from reporting, which had allowed the gang to continue unchecked.

This time, swift action led to arrests of the key players:

Deepak Kumar (Chowki Choura)

Vikas Kumar S/o Netar Parkash (Poonch)

Arun Kumar S/o Raj Kumar (Bihar)

Istakhar S/o Salim (Uttar Pradesh)

Kusum Lata (Uttar Pradesh) – who had posed as the bride

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Wide Network

Authorities confirmed that at least four similar incidents—two in Akhnoor and two in Nagrota—are under active investigation, suggesting the network may have wider links.

Senior officers including SP Rural Jammu and SSP Jammu are monitoring the probe. Police have urged residents to remain alert and immediately inform local stations about suspicious matrimonial offers, warning that fraudsters are deliberately targeting socially vulnerable individuals such as those struggling to find partners or considered overage for marriage.