Coimbatore police have apprehended a 36-year-old man from Pudukottai in connection with a sophisticated fraud where he allegedly duped a divorced woman of nearly ₹2 crore by promising marriage.
The accused, identified as B Vigneshwaran, who operates a football academy, reportedly met the woman through a dating application in 2022. According to police sources, the woman, who is originally from Coimbatore but resides abroad, met Vigneshwaran in person during her visits to the city.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Vigneshwaran is alleged to have repeatedly sought substantial financial assistance from the woman, presenting various pretexts including funds for his business expansion, medical emergencies, and other financial exigencies. He also allegedly coerced her into purchasing luxury items for his personal use, such as an iPad and a car.
The case came to light after the victim filed a formal complaint with the authorities. Following a preliminary inquiry, a dedicated team was formed by the Coimbatore cyber crime police, leading to Vigneshwaran’s arrest in Pudukottai. He was subsequently brought to Coimbatore, presented before a local court, and remanded to judicial custody.
Preliminary analysis of Vigneshwaran’s mobile phone by investigators revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior. It is suspected that he employed similar fraudulent tactics to target multiple women through various dating applications and social media platforms. Reports indicate that at the time of his apprehension, Vigneshwaran was allegedly extorting money from another woman.
The cyber crime police have issued a stern warning to the public, urging individuals to exercise extreme caution and refrain from transferring money to individuals met through online dating platforms or social media. They emphasized that common fraud tactics often involve fabricated claims of love, marriage proposals, investment opportunities, or urgent medical needs.
The police encourage anyone encountering suspicious activities or potential scams to report them immediately to the cyber crime department to aid in preventing further victimization. This incident highlights a growing trend of online financial fraud, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals seeking companionship or relationships through digital means.
Recent reports from other regions in Tamil Nadu indicate a similar modus operandi being employed by fraudsters. In May 2026, a woman in Coimbatore was arrested for defrauding a man of ₹2 lakh with a marriage promise. Similarly, in January 2018, a family in Coimbatore was arrested for duping an NRI engineer of ₹41 lakh under the guise of marriage, with the family reportedly having defrauded multiple individuals of significant sums and valuables. In another instance from April 2025, a man in Coimbatore was arrested for cheating a private software firm employee of ₹3.60 lakh and gold ornaments by promising marriage. These cases underscore a persistent issue of individuals exploiting trust and emotional vulnerabilities for financial gain through fraudulent means.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
