Hyderabad: Man posing as FCI officer lures woman into fake marriage, cheats her of ₹1.5 Cr; held

Hyderabad: A 30-year-old man was arrested by Chaitanyapuri police for allegedly cheating a woman of ₹1.5 crore by posing as a Food Corporation of India (FCI) officer and luring her into a fake marriage alliance.

Fake job, forged identity

The accused, identified as Panasa Madhu, a resident of Alkapuri Colony in Kothapet, allegedly fabricated documents claiming he was working as a Grade-III Technical Manager with FCI in Cherlapally.

Police said he used fake identity cards to convince the victim and her family about his government employment.

Dowry deal finalised

Investigators revealed that the accused initially demanded ₹2 crore as dowry for the marriage. After negotiations, the amount was settled at ₹1.5 crore. An engagement ceremony was also held in Nalgonda district, further cementing the trust between both families.

Harassment in the name of photoshoot

Subsequently, the accused reportedly called the victim to his residence under the pretext of a “Pre-wedding photoshoot.” During the meeting, he allegedly behaved suspiciously, cast aspersions on her character, and subjected her to harassment.

Fraud comes to light

Growing suspicious, the woman conducted inquiries into his background, which exposed the fake job claim and forged identity. Realising that she had been cheated, she approached the Chaitanyapuri police and lodged a complaint.

Arrest and seizures

Based on the complaint, police registered a case and arrested the accused. Officials seized two fake FCI ID cards, a mobile phone, and a car bearing the sign “On Government Duty” from his possession.

Remanded to custody

The accused was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain if more victims were targeted using a similar modus operandi.