Police have arrested Ejaz Salim Patel, a salesman from Surat, Gujarat, for luring a Hindu NRI woman into a relationship, getting her converted to Islam in Saudi Arabia, and cheating her of money, jewellery, and property worth over ₹1.10 crores.
Arrested after a complaint from the US
The complaint was filed by the 40-year-old woman through an email while she was in the United States. The woman, who is from Himmatnagar, Gujarat, has been living in the US with her five-year-old daughter since her divorce in 2020.
After getting the complaint, her brother went to the Lalgate police station in Surat. Patel has been arrested, and his mobile and laptop have been seized by the police for further investigation.
During the interrogation, it was revealed that Patel was already married and was living in Rampura, Surat.
From online shopping to personal relationships
The police stated that the woman had been regularly purchasing clothes online from a popular showroom located on Ghoddod Road in Surat, where Patel was working as a salesman.
During this period, he got access to her mobile number in the name of customer feedback. The initial interactions soon turned into regular calls and messages. With time, the talks became personal, and the two developed a close relationship.
In January 2024, when the woman travelled to Hyderabad, Patel met her at a hotel there. During that visit, he managed to get the key to her flat.
Saudi Trip, marriage and money demands
In April 2024, Patel invited her to Saudi Arabia. Police said she was converted there and given a new name. An online wedding ceremony was later conducted in May.
After the marriage, Patel continued to insist that she take him to the United States. However, his visa was not approved. After that, he repeatedly demanded money from her. According to the complaint, he threatened her through WhatsApp messages and emails, which led her to send nearly ₹60 lakh to him.
The complaint also states that during a trip to Indonesia, Patel took 18 tolas of gold jewellery belonging to her brother. He also took control of a flat in Hyderabad worth around ₹50 lakh, which had been purchased in her name by her former husband.
Police said the total value of money, gold and property involved in the case is more than ₹1.10 crore. Investigators are now examining digital evidence and financial records to trace the full extent of the transactions.
