Two women arrested in Mumbai for ₹4.25 lakh honeytrap theft at Gorai hotel

Two women have been arrested by police in Mumbai for allegedly honeytrapping and robbing a bank manager of valuables worth ₹4.25 lakh at a hotel in Gorai.

The accused, identified as Bimladevi Shravan Kumar Singh alias Hani Thakur and Ruth Lucas Naidu, are reported to be repeat offenders with prior cases registered against them.

Victim lured through social media

According to police, the victim, a 43-year-old bank manager, came into contact with one of the accused through a social media platform after she interacted with his profile. The conversation progressed, eventually leading to in-person meetings.

The two first met in Andheri before planning a further outing, during which the accused suggested staying overnight in Gorai.

Incident unfolded at Gorai hotel

The victim later met both women near Borivali railway station and travelled with them to a hotel in Gorai. The trio reportedly consumed alcohol and stayed together overnight.

However, the next morning, the victim discovered that both women had left the hotel. Upon checking his belongings, he found several valuables missing, including his mobile phone, gold jewellery, cash, and a watch, collectively valued at around ₹4.25 lakh.

Police uncover repeat pattern of crime

Investigations revealed that the accused allegedly used a similar modus operandi in multiple cases, befriending victims online, luring them to hotels, and stealing valuables after intoxicating them.

Police also noted that many victims may not report such crimes due to fear of social stigma, allowing such activities to go undetected.

Complaint delayed due to fear of defamation

The victim initially refrained from filing a complaint, reportedly due to concerns about reputational damage. However, after learning about similar cases involving the same accused, he approached the police and lodged a complaint.

Following verification, authorities registered a case and arrested both women. Further investigations are underway to identify other possible victims linked to the same pattern of offences.

Case highlights rising honeytrap-related crimes

The incident underscores a growing trend of honeytrap-related crimes in urban areas, where perpetrators exploit social media platforms and personal interactions to target victims.

Law enforcement agencies have urged individuals to exercise caution while interacting with strangers online and to report suspicious activities promptly.