No `Sonia', no `Pari’: How Tinder date proved `costly’ for Hyderabad man

Hyderabad: A Tinder date proved costly for a man who was billed for ₹29,000 after a woman placed multiple orders at a club before making off in Hyderabad.

According to police, Idris Andrabi, a native of Mumbai currently residing at Alkapur Township, Neknampur, Hyderabad, and working as a private employee, reported that he was cheated through a well-planned scheme. On March 14, he matched with a profile named “Sonia” on the Tinder app.

After a few days of chatting, the woman shared her mobile number and matched him on the app. She then insisted on meeting in person at N-OWL Club & Kitchen, located on Road No. 36. The two met at around 4:45 PM, where the woman reportedly placed multiple orders within a span of 30–40 minutes.

Later, Andrabi was presented with an inflated bill of ₹29,453. The woman then went to the washroom, and he noticed that the beverages she consumed appeared to be non-alcoholic, despite being billed as premium alcoholic drinks. Suspecting fraudulent billing, he stated that he felt pressured by the presence of staff and bouncers and paid the bill.

After the meeting, the woman allegedly attempted to extract more money through various QR codes and bank accounts. When Andrabi contacted the club seeking a refund and reported the issue, he reportedly received an uncooperative response, with staff telling him to “do whatever you want.”

Further raising suspicion, Andrabi later matched with another profile named “Pari,” who also insisted on meeting at the same location. This led him to believe that the fraud was systematic, possibly involving a nexus between fake profiles and the establishment.

Based on the complaint, a case was registered by Jubilee Hills Police on Sunday. Police have initiated an investigation into the matter, examining angles of cheating, fraudulent billing, and possible extortion. The complainant has also provided additional mobile numbers and payment details to aid the probe.