In a shocking incident, a Delhi man found himself ensnared in a dating scam that led to a hefty bill and a potential kidnapping. On October 21, he received a WhatsApp message inviting him for a date in Ghaziabad, which turned out to be a carefully orchestrated trap.
The Meeting Point: A Suspicious Cafe
The man was instructed to meet at the Kaushambi metro station, where he was accompanied by a girl to the Tiger Cafe, situated on the first floor of the Kaushambi Hotel. Upon arrival, he grew suspicious due to the cafe’s lack of an online presence and absence of signage. Sensing danger, he shared his live location with a friend and sent a message alerting them to his situation.
A Shocking Bill and Hostage Situation
His fears escalated when, as he attempted to leave, he was presented with a bill amounting to ₹16,400 for a glass of cold drink that the girl had ordered. When he protested, he was forcibly detained and demanded to pay ₹50,000.
Police Intervention Saves the Day
Thanks to the swift action of his friend, who contacted the police, the situation took a turn for the better. The police were able to bust the dating scam gang, which consisted of five girls and three boys. The girls reportedly hailed from Delhi and maintained profiles on various dating apps, luring unsuspecting men to Tiger Cafe, where they would be overcharged for food and drinks. Victims were held hostage until they paid the exorbitant charges.
Accusations and Arrests
Following the man’s report, an FIR was registered, leading to the arrest of all eight suspects involved in the scam. “Further action is being taken,” confirmed Swatantra Singh, ACP Indirapuram, ensuring that the perpetrators would face justice.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for individuals navigating the world of online dating, highlighting the risks associated with meeting strangers in unfamiliar settings.
