Slug: Identity DoctoredAhmedabad: A man allegedly posed as a widower on a matrimonial website, used forged identity documents, and cheated a woman — whom he was ostensibly courting — of cash and a scooter. The information was released by the Ahmedabad crime branch on Sunday.According to the crime branch, the accused created a profile on the website under the name of “Aditya Patel” and falsely projected himself as a Hindu widower with no children. Crime branch officers said the accused allegedly targeted women seeking life partners.The crime branch said the accused allegedly shared with the woman forged copies of several govt documents, including the purported death certificate of his wife.According to the crime branch, the complainant remained in contact with the accused for nearly five to six months after connecting with him through the website. During this period, he allegedly gained her trust by promising marriage.The crime branch said the accused subsequently tricked the woman into giving him Rs 70,000 and her scooter.Police said the fraud came to light when the complainant noticed a suspicious name on a caller identification application during a routine phone call. Subsequent verification of the residential address provided by the accused allegedly revealed that it was fictitious.“The inquiry established that the identity used on the matrimonial platform was an alias and that the documents shared with the complainant were forged,” the crime branch said.Police said the woman later sought assistance from a social organisation, which helped her verify the identity of the accused. Following the registration of an FIR at the women’s police station, the Ahmedabad crime branch apprehended the accused, identified as Karim Rafikbhai Sipai, a resident of Sarghatani Ghati, Kadi.Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the complainant said that she had registered on a matrimonial website. “The accused connected with me using forged documents like the driver’s licence, PAN card, Aadhaar card, and the death certificate of his wife,” the woman said.The complainant said that once she realised she had been duped, she contacted VHP, which then helped track the accused and establish his real identity.
