PRAYAGRAJ, Aug. 15 -- : A father-son duo accused of operating a marriage scam racket across multiple states has allegedly duped nearly 40 women, including the daughter of a BJP MLA, by promising marriage and then stealing money and jewellery. The prime accused, Anuj Trivedi, allegedly targeted women seeking matrimonial alliances, particularly widows and divorcees. According to police and complainants, he would establish contact through matrimonial channels, gain the women's trust, and later persuade them into marriage-related commitments before extracting cash and valuables. A teacher from Jhunsi in Prayagraj recently lodged an FIR against Anuj Trivedi and his son, alleging that she was cheated of approximately Rs.11 lakh and 50 grams of gold jewellery on the pretext of marriage. The case has been registered at the Jhunsi police station, and police have initiated an investigation. Police sources indicate that several cases have already been registered against the accused in Mumbai, apart from complaints in Sitapur and Prayagraj. The alleged fraud network is believed to have targeted women in cities including Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and parts of Karnataka. Cyber fraudsters allegedly extorted Rs.1.71 lakh from a youth in Kaushambi district by threatening to circulate an obscene video, prompting police to register a case and launch an investigation. The victim Himanshu Kesarwani filed a complaint. SHO Vineet Singh said the allegations made in the complaint are being thoroughly examined....