A popular Instagram influencer from Thane, known online for his flashy lifestyle and modelling photos, has been arrested for allegedly duping a 30-year-old architect of ₹93 lakh after promising to marry her. The accused, identified as Shailesh Ramgude, was taken into custody by Vishnu Nagar police, who also recovered 1.25kg gold, ₹51 lakh cash, four premium smartphones, and a BMW from his residence.
Ramgude, who lives in Hiranandani Estate and boasts over 8,89,000 followers on Instagram, allegedly used his social media influence to emotionally exploit women and extract money through fabricated stories, investigators said.
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Met on a dating app, ended in huge financial loss
Police said Ramgude met the victim, an architect from Dombivli, on a dating platform in September 2024. He reportedly introduced himself as a successful model working on high-end campaigns and slowly built a romantic relationship with her.
Over time, he allegedly proposed marriage and convinced her of a future together. Things took a turn when, in August 2025, Ramgude claimed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had raided his house and seized 2kg of gold and ₹1 crore in cash. To resolve the issue, he asked her for money.
Trusting him, the woman allegedly transferred ₹93 lakh in multiple bank transactions. Soon after receiving the money, he cut all contact, and her attempts to get the money back were unsuccessful, leading her to approach the police.
Police: “We believe more victims may come forward”
Senior Police Inspector Ram Chopde from Vishnu Nagar police station confirmed the arrest:
“We arrested the accused from his residence on November 5 and are investigating past crimes. We suspect there may be more victims who will come forward after this case.”
Officials said Ramgude has been sent to judicial custody.
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Not his first cheating case, say police
Ramgude is not new to such crimes, according to police records. He already has two similar cases registered at Kapurbawdi police station, where he allegedly siphoned ₹43 lakh and ₹19 lakh from other victims. He was out on bail at the time of the latest fraud complaint.
Investigators believe he targeted women by portraying himself as a wealthy, well-connected personality in the modelling world, using Instagram as a tool to build trust and credibility.
Social media glamour hiding financial crime?
Cases of online romantic fraud and investment scams have grown substantially with the rise of influencer culture and online dating. Police have urged citizens to remain cautious, especially when money and personal investments are involved.
Authorities are now reviewing Ramgude’s financial history, digital transactions, and social media activity to identify others who may have been duped.
