Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested a man accused of impersonating a Gujarat Police Sub Inspector on matrimonial and dating platforms and cheating at least 21 women across multiple states.
The accused, identified as Himanshu alias Rocky Panchal, originally from Ahmedabad and later based in Udaipur, allegedly created fake profiles on platforms such as Shaadi.com, Jeevansathi, Bumble and Hinge. Police said he presented himself as a Police Sub Inspector linked to the cybercrime wing of Gujarat Police to gain the trust of women.
Investigators revealed that Panchal used artificial intelligence tools and editing software to generate images of himself in police uniform and also fabricated official looking documents including identity cards, appointment letters, suspension notices and government letters. These fake documents were used to build credibility and emotionally manipulate victims.
According to officials, he allegedly convinced women that he was facing legal or financial trouble, including claims of bank account freezes and Income Tax raids. On this pretext, he reportedly extorted money from them. Several victims transferred funds after being misled by these fabricated stories.
Police said the scam came to light after women from Naroda and Navrangpura in Ahmedabad became suspicious and approached authorities. Further investigation revealed that the accused had targeted women not only in Gujarat but also in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
Officials also noted that a previous rape case had been registered against him in Maharashtra after he allegedly used similar tactics to lure a woman from Virar. He was later released on bail but allegedly continued similar fraudulent activities.
Police are now tracing additional victims and investigating the full extent of the network.
