Muzaffarpur: In a shocking incident in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, a newlywed bride allegedly fled with cash and jewellery just 16 days after her marriage, leaving the groom’s family in shock. The incident was reported from Loma village under the Gaighat police station area.
According to family members, Dharmendra Kumar, son of Ram Babu Manjhi, got married to a woman from the Piyar police station area on April 25. The family said everything appeared normal after the wedding and the couple was living together peacefully.
However, on the 16th day after the marriage, the bride allegedly escaped during the night while the family members were asleep. She reportedly took away Rs 72,000 in cash along with gold and silver jewellery worth lakhs of rupees that had been kept in boxes and cupboards inside the house.
The matter came to light on Friday morning when Dharmendra woke up and found his wife missing from the bed. The family initially searched nearby areas and contacted relatives, but when they failed to trace her, suspicion grew.
Later, during a check of valuables inside the house, the family discovered that both the cash and wedding jewellery were missing. The groom’s family then realised they may have fallen victim to what is commonly referred to as a “looteri dulhan” or “runaway bride” scam.
Dharmendra Kumar said he would file a written complaint at the Gaighat police station regarding the incident. However, police said no formal written complaint had been received so far.
According to the Gaighat Station House Officer, the matter came to the police’s notice through media reports. The officer stated that legal action and an investigation would begin once the victim’s family submits an official complaint.
The incident has become a major topic of discussion in Loma village, with residents expressing shock over how such an alleged fraud could be executed within just over two weeks of marriage.
The victim’s family said they are devastated and are hoping the police will help recover their savings and jewellery.
How Alleged ‘Looteri Dulhan’ Gangs Operate
Police officials and past cases indicate that such gangs allegedly operate in an organised manner by targeting families struggling to arrange marriages for their sons.
The process usually involves brokers or middlemen who identify vulnerable families. Fake identities, forged Aadhaar cards and fabricated family backgrounds are often used to gain trust. In many cases, gang members pose as the bride’s relatives.
To convince the groom’s family, the woman and her associates maintain regular contact through video calls and personal meetings while presenting themselves as respectable and genuine.
After the marriage is fixed, the groom’s family is allegedly pressured into paying money for wedding expenses or emergencies. The amount reportedly ranges from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh in several cases.
Within days of the wedding, the bride allegedly disappears with cash and jewellery. In some instances, families have also reported receiving threats of false criminal cases, including dowry harassment allegations, if they try to pursue the matter aggressively.
Police have not yet confirmed whether the Muzaffarpur incident is linked to any organised gang. Further investigation is expected after an official complaint is filed.
