Moga, Punjab: A wedding turns into a nightmare as the groom and 150 guests are left stranded
In a bizarre incident from Punjab’s Moga district, a 24-year-old NRI groom, Deepak Kumar, was left humiliated after being duped by his online fiancée, Manpreet Kaur. In the shocking incident NRI groom duped by the bride, however netizens calling it “funny”.
Deepak, a laborer based in Dubai, had been in a long-distance relationship with Manpreet for three years. Excited to marry her, he flew to India and arrived with 150 guests, only to discover that both the bride and the wedding venue were nonexistent.
The Ordeal
Deepak, originally from Mandiali village in Jalandhar, first met Manpreet on Instagram. Their friendship blossomed into love, and they frequently communicated over calls and texts. Manpreet’s family agreed to the wedding over the phone, and the date was set for December 6 at a venue called “Rose Garden Marriage Palace” in Moga.
On the day of the wedding, Deepak, dressed as a groom, led a grand baraat to the venue. However, upon arrival, locals informed them that no such marriage hall existed in the area. Confused and panicked, Deepak tried contacting Manpreet, who initially assured him over the phone that her family was on their way. Hours later, her phone was switched off, and she became untraceable.
Financial and Emotional Toll – Is this a Crime?
Deepak revealed that he had transferred ₹50,000 to Manpreet a few days before the wedding, allegedly for wedding expenses. Additionally, his family spent over ₹4 lakh on the wedding arrangements, including catering, transport, and decorations.
After waiting for over five hours, Deepak and his family lodged a police complaint against Manpreet and her family for fraud. Moga’s ASI Harjinder Singh confirmed that the police are investigating the matter.
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights the risks of online relationships and the emotional and financial exploitation that can occur. Deepak’s story sheds light on the need for greater caution and due diligence when dealing with matrimonial arrangements in the digital age.
The groom’s father, Premchand, expressed his anguish, saying, “We came with joy and dreams, only to return with humiliation and despair. This was not just a financial loss but an emotional betrayal that has scarred us.”
This case serves as a stark reminder for others to be wary of similar fraudulent schemes. The police continue to investigate, and Deepak hopes for justice to recover his losses and hold the accused accountable.
Netizens at social media writes that “game played with this brother”, however netizens should have reacted more sensitively if such an incident had happened to a bride.
The Men Helpline group, which actively raises awareness and advocates for issues faced by men and boys, says to have sympathy for sons too.