In a cautionary tale highlighting the dangers of online relationships, a 58-year-old woman from south Mumbai found herself ensnared in a web of deception, allegedly duped of Rs 8.25 lakh by a man she met on a dating app, authorities revealed.

According to police reports, the victim, a retiree residing in Colaba, crossed paths with a man named Sudhir Alok Dhar on Tinder in August last year. What began as seemingly innocent exchanges quickly evolved into a sinister plot, as Dhar allegedly manipulated the woman into a fictitious realm of promises and deceit.

Purportedly, Dhar, under the guise of sincerity, proposed a live-in relationship and even marriage to the unsuspecting woman during their encounters at a hotel. He spun tales of a flourishing fisheries business, claiming to export fish to lucrative markets in Singapore and Vietnam, tantalizing the victim with visions of prosperity and security.

The woman, lured by the allure of companionship and the prospect of shared success, succumbed to Dhar’s persuasive tactics, transferring Rs 25,000 to his bank account initially. As the elaborate ruse unfolded, Dhar continued to exploit the woman’s trust, coaxing her into parting with Rs 20,000 more, under the guise of investment in his purported business ventures.

Tragically, the victim, blinded by hope and affection, mortgaged her jewellery and borrowed money from her brother to fulfill Dhar’s insatiable demands, clinging to the promise of returns within a specified timeframe.

However, as the days turned into weeks, and the promised profits failed to materialize, the woman was confronted with the harsh reality of betrayal. Upon delving deeper into Dhar’s background, she discovered the elaborate facade constructed by her erstwhile confidant, shattering the illusion of love and prosperity.

The heart-wrenching saga serves as a stark reminder of the perils lurking within the digital realm, where anonymity often breeds deception and vulnerability paves the way for exploitation. It underscores the importance of exercising caution and discernment in online interactions, particularly on platforms where appearances can be deceiving, and intentions may be veiled in deceit.

As the investigation unfolds and justice seeks its rightful course, may the plight of this courageous woman serve as a cautionary beacon, illuminating the path for others to tread warily in the unpredictable terrain of virtual relationships.