Groom vanishes, gold missing; Sikkim woman alleges betrayal in marriage scam

In Gangtok, a young woman has alleged that she was betrayed by her live-in partner of three years under the false promise of marriage. The incident, detailed in a First Information Report (FIR) filed on April 25, 2025, at Ranipool Police Station has led to a criminal case against Roman Chettri, who is now absconding. The case has been registered under Sections 69 and 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

According to the FIR lodged by Ms. D, a resident of Gangtok District, she and Roman Chettri had been in a live-in relationship for three years at a residence in Gangtok. The complainant, whose identity is protected under law said that Chettri had repeatedly assured her of marriage. On February 7, 2025, Chettri sent Ms. D to her parental home promising to arrive two days later with his family to formalize their engagement. As a gesture of trust, Ms. D handed over two tolas of gold ornaments to Chettri, who claimed he would use them to craft a bangle for their wedding ceremony.

Ms. D and her family prepared for the big day on February 9. The complainant dressed as a bride and her family welcomed guests to celebrate what they believed would be a joyous occasion. However, Chettri never showed up. Repeated phone calls went unanswered and when he finally responded, he offered vague excuses. Five days later, Ms. D learned the devastating truth: she had been deceived. The man she trusted had allegedly exploited her emotionally, physically and financially for years.

“I believed in him completely,” Ms. D reportedly told the police in her statement, recorded under Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. “He promised me a future, but instead, he took everything; my trust, my dignity and my family’s honor.”

The Ranipool Police Station registered FIR No. 16/2025 on April 25, 2025, at approximately 2:15 PM, after receiving Ms. D’s written complaint. The charges against Chettri fall under two key sections of the BNS, 2023. Section 69 addresses sexual intercourse obtained through deceitful means, such as a false promise of marriage, carrying a punishment of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine. Section 318 pertains to cheating, defined as deceiving someone to induce the delivery of property or cause harm, which aligns with Chettri’s alleged theft of the gold ornaments.

Police have launched a manhunt for Chettri, who remains at large. “Efforts are underway to apprehend the accused, who is currently absconding,” said a senior officer at Ranipool Police Station, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We are conducting searches at his last known locations and coordinating with local authorities to ensure his arrest.”