Medak Man Used Fake Instagram Profiles to Defraud Women of Cash and Gold
Authorities in Medak, Telangana, are investigating a man who used fake Instagram profiles to defraud two women of Rs 12 lakh and gold jewelry. By posing as a prospective husband, the suspect manipulated victims into making payments to his accomplice, triggering a widespread police probe.
Highlights
- •A man in Medak targeted women using fake Instagram accounts to facilitate a fraud involving cash and gold.
- •Victims were duped out of a combined Rs 12 lakh and gold jewellery through false marriage promises.
- •The suspect posed as an IPS trainee and an MBBS student to gain the trust of his victims.
- •Police have named Uppari Durgesh as a key accused and are investigating the extent of the scam.
In a disturbing case of online deception, a man has been identified for targeting women through fake Instagram profiles to orchestrate a sophisticated financial fraud. Authorities in Medak, Telangana, have launched an investigation after victims reported being swindled out of significant amounts of cash and gold jewellery under the guise of fake romantic relationships and marriage promises.
This fraudulent activity came to public attention when a woman from Yellampalli village, located in the Tekmal mandal, filed an official complaint with local law enforcement. The victim explained that she began communicating with an individual posing as 'Ritwik Reddy' on social media approximately one year ago. After establishing a rapport, the suspect claimed he was heading to Chhattisgarh for police training and promised her marriage upon his return.
How Fake Instagram Profiles Fueled This Financial Fraud
The scam escalated when the suspect told the victim he was in urgent need of funds. He instructed her to hand over money and valuables to his supposed associate, Uppari Durgesh. Trusting his claims, the woman transferred Rs 5 lakh via digital payment platforms and provided one tola of gold earrings to the individual acting as his friend. Following these transactions, the suspect severed all contact, leading the victim to realize she had been targeted in an elaborate social media scam.
Subsequent police inquiries revealed that another woman, a 17-year-old from Eklaspur village, also fell victim to the same modus operandi. In this instance, the perpetrator used an identity named 'Sathwik Reddy', posing as an MBBS student. The suspect promised to send her a diamond ring but insisted she pay a 'tax' fee to receive the gift. The teenager reportedly paid Rs 7 lakh in cash and handed over a gold ring to the same accomplice, Uppari Durgesh.
Medak Police have identified Uppari Durgesh as a central figure in this criminal scheme. The perpetrator is believed to have systematically created multiple fake Instagram profiles to manipulate victims into parting with their assets. The Tekmal police have registered a formal case and are currently widening their investigation to determine if additional women have been victimized by the same suspect. This incident serves as a stern reminder for users to exercise extreme caution when interacting with strangers online, especially when financial transactions or personal promises are involved.
