The Kudal police in Sindhudurg district busted a ‘looteri dulhan’ (thieving bride) gang, which targeted affluent families in rural areas of the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Their strategy involved deceiving potential grooms into marriage, spending a few nights together, and then fleeing with jewellery, cash, and valuables, leaving the families bewildered the next morning. One victim revealed that the accused ‘looteri dulhan’ would fake menstruation to maintain distance from him at night. “She did not allow me to come close to her,” said 42-year-old complainant Sameer Lot, who approached the Kudal police station on February 28 to register an FIR against the gang.

Vishal Thorat, Santosh Jagdale and Santosh Kakade 

After registering the FIR, the Kudal police swiftly formed four teams and arrested seven individuals, including agents and two brides. The accused have been identified as Vishal Thorat, Santosh Kakade, Santosh Jagdale, Madhuri Kedari, Jyoti Shellar, Rekha Patil alias Rupali Patil, and Mangal Mahapure. Four accomplices, including the mastermind, are yet to be apprehended.