Two abducted in online marriage scam

Two young men from Basti Hafizabad were abducted after being lured into a trap via social media.

The incident has sparked alarm over rising online exploitation and criminal activity in the rural belt of Punjab. The family members said one of the abductees, Yaseen, developed an online relationship with a woman through WhatsApp. The relationship intensified over time and led to a mutual agreement for marriage.

Accompanied by his cousin Altaf, Yaseen travelled to the Kacha area to bring his prospective bride home. Upon their arrival, the two were reportedly kidnapped by armed dacoits operating in the riverine region.