A Dehradun resident has been booked for allegedly impersonating a legal process by presenting another woman as his wife before bank officials to secure the release of jewellery worth nearly Rs 20 lakh that had been pledged against a loan.
The case came to light after the man’s estranged wife discovered that the mortgaged jewellery had been transferred without her knowledge or consent.
SMS Alert Raises Suspicion
According to police, the complaint was filed by Khushbu Devi, a resident of Lucknow, who married Praveen Kumar in 2009.
Investigators said the couple had been living separately following a domestic dispute, with Khushbu residing at her parental home.
The matter surfaced on February 9 when she received an automated text message indicating that jewellery pledged with a bank had been transferred to her husband’s name.
The unexpected notification prompted her to contact the bank and seek clarification.
Bank Claims Wife Was Present During Transaction
During her inquiry, bank officials reportedly informed Khushbu that she had personally visited the branch along with her husband and completed the required documentation for the release of the jewellery.
However, she denied ever visiting the bank and informed officials that she had not signed any documents related to the transaction.
To support her claim, she shared her photograph with the bank.
Identity Mismatch Uncovered
After comparing the photograph with branch records, bank officials allegedly confirmed that the woman who had accompanied Praveen Kumar was not Khushbu Devi.
Police suspect that another woman was presented as his wife in order to complete the formalities required for withdrawing the mortgaged jewellery.
The jewellery involved in the transaction is estimated to be worth around Rs 20 lakh.
FIR Registered
Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Praveen Kumar and the unidentified woman who allegedly impersonated his wife.
According to investigating officer SI Jitendra Kumar, the accused have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to cheating and cheating by personation.
Investigation Underway
Police are now examining bank records, transaction documents and identity verification procedures followed during the release of the jewellery.
Investigators are also working to identify the woman who allegedly accompanied the accused to the bank and determine her role in the transaction.
Authorities said further action will be taken based on the evidence gathered during the course of the investigation.
