A 29-year-old software engineer from Bengaluru has alleged that she was cheated out of over Rs 1.52 crore by a man she met on a matrimonial website, who later turned out to be already married. Police have
registered a case against the man, his wife and his father, and an investigation is underway.
The complainant, Navya Shree, a resident of Whitefield, said she met Vijay Raj Gowda, also known as Vijeth B, in March 2024 through an Okkaliga matrimonial platform.
Vijay allegedly presented himself as a wealthy businessman running VRG Enterprises and claimed to own crushers, lorries, land and residential properties in prime areas of Bengaluru. He also allegedly told her that he possessed assets worth Rs 715 crore, which helped gain her trust.
According to the complaint, Vijay promised to marry Navya and said he had informed his family about the relationship. He even allegedly shared documents related to a past Enforcement Directorate case to appear credible.
Money Demands Begin
The alleged cheating began on April 4, when Vijay claimed he was facing a banking issue and borrowed Rs 15,000 from Navya through PhonePe. Soon after, he allegedly persuaded her to take loans and borrow money from friends, saying they would invest together in his business.
Navya stated that Vijay later introduced his family members to her at Kengeri Metro Station. His father, Krishnappa B Gowda, also known as Bore Gowda UJ, allegedly claimed to be a retired Tehsildar and assured repayment. Cheques issued in the name of VRG Enterprises were shown to build confidence.
Friends And Family Drawn In
As per the FIR, Vijay also convinced Navya’s friends to invest money. Over time, rs 66 lakh and Rs 23 lakh were allegedly transferred by two of her friends.
When Navya asked for her money back, Vijay reportedly claimed his bank accounts had been frozen due to an ongoing court case. He allegedly showed copies of court orders to Navya and later used the same documents to convince her parents. This, the complaint says, led to her parents giving him nearly Rs 30 lakh.
Between December 2024 and February 2025, Navya’s father allegedly paid Rs 10.5 lakh, while her mother gave Rs 18 lakh, including money from her retirement savings. Vijay is also accused of taking Rs 10 lakh by pledging Navya’s jewellery and another Rs 5 lakh from her siblings.
Truth Comes Out
The alleged fraud came to light when Navya went to Vijay’s house to demand repayment. She then discovered that he was already married and had a child. The woman who had been introduced to her as his sister was, in fact, his wife, and they had been married for three years.
In her complaint, Navya alleged that Vijay, his wife and other family members acted together to cheat her. She also claimed that she and her friends were threatened with dire consequences when they demanded their money back.
Police said the complainant has alleged that Vijay collected Rs 1,75,66,890 through multiple bank accounts. Of this amount, only Rs 22,51,800 was returned, leaving Rs 1,53,15,090 unpaid.
A case has been registered for cheating, criminal conspiracy and criminal intimidation against Vijay and two of his family members. Further investigation is underway.
