Belagavi: Police arrested a woman accused of luring wealthy men through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram and robbing them of cash, gold and even luxury vehicles. Authorities said valuables worth over Rs. 32 lakh have been recovered, while a search is underway for her alleged accomplice.
The arrest was made by Tilakwadi Police Station after a victim who had been cheated filed a complaint, prompting an investigation into the elaborate honey trap scheme.
Once the victims arrived, she would reportedly behave in a friendly manner and ask them to take a bath first. During that time, she allegedly stole money, gold ornaments, mobile phones, bags and even vehicles before fleeing the location.
Police say the accused carried out the fraud multiple times using a carefully planned social media honey trap strategy.
After building trust, she would invite them to lodges under the pretext of meeting, where the theft would take place.
Officials said the victims often realised they had been cheated only after she disappeared with their valuables.
Shivananda, reportedly a resident of Hukkeri town in Belagavi district, is now being actively searched by the police.
- Toyota Fortuner car
- Maruti Suzuki S-Cross car
- 11 mobile phones
- One tablet device
- A dongle
- Three car keys
- ₹14,000 in cash
Police officials said further investigation is underway to determine whether more victims were targeted using the same honey trap method.
Authorities have also warned people to exercise caution while interacting with strangers on social media platforms, as such cases of online deception and honey trapping are on the rise.
