Financial and Sexual Exploitation: Bengaluru Man Accused by Live-In Partner

Bengaluru police in Bagalgunte arrested 29-year-old Shubham Shukla for alleged cheating, sexual exploitation and theft. Investigators said Shukla took nearly Rs 20 lakh and about 200 grams of gold from a woman during a long live-in relationship.

According to officers, Shukla pretended to be in love and convinced the woman to stay with Shukla in Bengaluru. Over three years, Shukla allegedly controlled the woman’s earnings and jewellery while also subjecting the woman to frequent physical and emotional abuse.

Bengaluru police cheating case: live-in relationship and financial losses

Police said the woman’s parents were told a false story. Shukla allegedly pressured the woman to claim that the woman had secured a job in Mumbai. Believing this, the family allowed the woman to leave home, unaware the couple remained in Bengaluru.

During their stay together, Shukla is accused of slowly withdrawing money and selling valuables. The woman later learnt that Shukla was already married. When the woman confronted Shukla, Shukla allegedly promised to divorce the spouse but continued with assaults and humiliation, police added.

Bengaluru police cheating case: involvement of minor and POCSO Act

The case began earlier in Nelamangala and involved the woman’s younger sister. Officers said Shukla first befriended the minor girl and then allegedly assaulted the minor. Police believe this connection helped Shukla gain the family’s trust before targeting the elder sibling.

Once the abuse grew worse, the woman left the shared home and approached police. A case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and for cheating, among other offences. Shukla was taken into custody and remains jailed while the investigation continues.

The following table summarises key details shared by Bengaluru police during the cheating case investigation.

Police said both the live-in relationship and earlier contact with the minor are central to the Bengaluru police cheating case. Officers are now gathering financial records and witness statements to confirm the scale of losses and abuse reported by the sisters.