Shocking Matrimonial Scam in Lucknow: Builder Accused of Rape and Blackmail

Disturbing Incident in Lucknow

A shocking incident has emerged from Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, where a man posing as a builder allegedly ensnared a young woman from Chhattisgarh through a matrimonial website. The accused is charged with not only committing rape under the pretense of marriage but also extorting money by recording private videos. An FIR has been filed against the suspect, Harsh Raghuvanshi, at the Gomti Nagar Extension police station under serious charges.

Victim's Account

The victim, identified as Pinky Yadav (name changed), hails from Raipur, Chhattisgarh. In her complaint to the police, she stated that Harsh Raghuvanshi (a resident of Gomti Nagar) contacted her through a fake profile on a matrimonial site. Friends of Harsh, Shakti Pratap Singh and Aditya Singh, were also implicated in this scheme.

Trapped and Exploited

According to the sequence of events, on August 12, 2025, Harsh lured the victim to Lucknow with promises of marriage. She was accommodated at the Crystal Suites hotel in Gomti Nagar, reportedly owned by a close associate of Harsh, Vivek Pandey. Allegations state that Harsh forced himself on the victim and deceitfully recorded her private photos and videos. When she protested, he calmed her down with false marriage promises.

Extortion and Threats

After returning from Lucknow, the victim faced a barrage of blackmail. Harsh has allegedly extorted ₹1.80 lakh from her by threatening to release the videos. In November 2025, under the pretext of deleting the videos, he called her back to Lucknow and subjected her to further abuse. Currently, he is demanding an additional ₹5 lakh, threatening to make the videos public and harm her if she refuses. He has also coerced her into engaging with his friends.

Police Investigation

Following the victim's report, the Gomti Nagar Extension police have registered a case under relevant sections for deceitful relations, extortion, and threats. The police possess digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats and transaction details. According to the station officer, the accused is currently on the run, and efforts are underway to apprehend him. Authorities are also investigating whether Harsh has previously targeted other women in a similar manner.