In a shocking case that mirrors the plot of the Bollywood film Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, a 26-year-old man from Ahmedabad has been arrested for posing as a crime branch officer on matrimonial websites to deceive, sexually assault, and rob over a dozen women. Himanshu Yogeshbhai Panchal’s elaborate scheme, which lasted over 1.5 years, unraveled after a 31-year-old Mira Road woman filed a police complaint, leading to his arrest by the Waliv police in Vasai East.

The Deception Unfolds

Panchal’s operation was as calculated as it was cruel. Using fake profiles on matrimonial sites, he presented himself as a well-paid government official working with the Ahmedabad Crime Branch. His polished English, expensive gadgets like iPhones, and claims of a stable career made him an attractive prospect for women seeking marriage. To reinforce his facade, he gifted victims counterfeit diamond jewelry and even took some to Ahmedabad, where he claimed to live near the Janakpur RTO office—a detail later proven false.

“He was skilled at manipulating emotions,” said a Waliv police officer. “His fluency in English, coupled with the way he flaunted gadgets like five laptops and iPhones, made him seem legitimate. He only made WhatsApp calls via hotel Wi-Fi to avoid leaving a trail.”

A Trail of Broken Trust

Panchal’s modus operandi followed a chilling pattern. After connecting with women online, he would arrange meetings at hotels in Vasai or Mumbai. During these encounters, he allegedly coerced them into physical relationships by promising marriage. Once trust was established, he exploited it mercilessly. Victims reported him demanding gold, cash, or other valuables under false pretenses—claiming family emergencies or official needs—before ghosting them entirely.

One victim, a 31-year-old from Mira Road, shared her ordeal with police. She met Panchal at a Vasai hotel in early February after months of online interaction. “He pressured me into a physical relationship by swearing he’d marry me,” she said. Later, he invited her to Ahmedabad, where he repeated the assault. Before she returned to Mumbai, he convinced her to hand over gold jewelry. When she tried contacting him afterward, his number was unreachable.

The Trigger for Arrest

The Mira Road woman’s complaint on February 6 became the tipping point. Waliv police used technical analysis—tracking phone records, hotel bookings, and IP addresses—to locate Panchal. During interrogation, he confessed to targeting over 12 women across Gujarat and Maharashtra since mid-2022.

“He preyed on women’s aspirations for a secure future,” explained an investigating officer. “By posing as a government employee, he exploited their trust. The iPhones and laptops were props to sell his lies.”

A Pattern of Calculated Exploitation

Panchal’s scheme wasn’t impulsive; it was meticulously planned. He created multiple matrimonial profiles, often juggling conversations with several women simultaneously. His choice of hotels in busy areas like Vasai and Mumbai ensured anonymity. To avoid detection, he never used personal mobile networks for calls, relying solely on hotel Wi-Fi.

The fake diamond jewelry he gifted served dual purposes: it reinforced his image as a generous suitor and created a false sense of commitment. Meanwhile, his demands for money or gold escalated gradually. One victim recounted how he claimed his mother needed surgery, while another said he fabricated a story about a “stuck government file” requiring bribes.

How Victims Fell Into the Trap

Many victims hesitated to report the crimes due to societal stigma or fear of blame. “Women worried their families would question their judgment or accuse them of ‘carelessness,’” said a counselor working with the police. This silence allowed Panchal to operate unchecked for months.

Police also noted that Panchal targeted women aged 25–35, likely assuming they faced familial pressure to marry. His government job claim tapped into desires for financial stability, while his English-speaking persona appealed to educated, urban victims.

The Broader Implications

This case highlights the dark side of online dating and matrimonial platforms, where verification processes often fall short. While sites typically require ID proofs, Panchal bypassed these by using forged documents or manipulating victims into not questioning his identity.

Activists argue that platforms must implement stricter checks, such as video verification or mandatory background screenings. “A blue tick isn’t enough,” said cybercrime expert Riya Mehta. “Users need tools to verify credentials independently.”

Police Advice for Online Daters

The Waliv police have urged caution:

  1. Verify Profession Claims: Cross-check employment details through official channels.
  2. Avoid Rushing Relationships: Be wary of suitors pushing for quick commitments or physical intimacy.
  3. Meet in Public Spaces: Initial meetings should be in crowded areas, not private rooms.
  4. Guard Financial Details: Never share bank information or transfer money to someone you’ve just met.

A Long Road to Justice

While Panchal’s arrest brings relief, the emotional scars for victims remain. Legal proceedings are expected to take months, with charges including sexual assault, cheating, and extortion. Meanwhile, authorities are reaching out to other potential victims to build a stronger case.

As the investigation continues, this case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities in digital spaces—and the importance of vigilance in an era where love can be weaponized.