Nagpur: A shocking fraud case linked to a dating app has surfaced in the city, where a 35-year-old freelancer was allegedly lured into a trap and forced to pay an inflated bill exceeding ₹34,000 at a bar. The Happn-based setup has led to police action against multiple accused.

The incident occurred on April 11 at SUAA Club & Restro, located opposite the LIC Mutual Fund building on Mount Road under Sadar police station limits. The complainant, Manish (named changed), had connected with a profile named “Tanu” on the app. The woman asked him to meet near the Mutual Fund building the same evening.

Upon arrival, Manish noticed that the woman looked different from her profile picture. She claimed it belonged to her sister and persuaded him to visit the nearby bar. Once inside, she began ordering expensive liquor and food items rapidly. Sensing foul play, Manish asked for the bill and was stunned to receive one amounting to ₹34,213.

When he objected, the staff allegedly produced a different menu with higher rates. A man identifying himself as Akash Gajbhiye, believed to be the owner, reportedly threatened him with public humiliation and physical harm if he refused to pay. Fearing consequences, Manish transferred the amount via QR code around 7.10 pm, while the woman fled.

Further, manager Supriya Gajbhiye and bouncer Ujjwalkumar allegedly abused and threatened him when he sought clarification.

Later, locals informed him that similar scams had occurred earlier. Acting on his complaint, Sadar police have registered a case and launched an investigation, examining CCTV footage, transactions, and possible links to a larger racket targeting unsuspecting victims through dating apps.