Your search for a soul mate now begins with a pre-marital investigation. At least that’s what the Capital’s detective agencies would have you believe. No wonder then that placing a matrimonial ad means getting flooded with emails from such agencies.
Noida resident S.K. Sharma, who placed an ad looking for a suitable groom for his daughter got 56 such mails on day 1 itself. The agencies claimed to investigate everything about the prospective bride/groom right from his/her educational qualification to work profile and salary… to character, family background and even sexual orientation. “We play a crucial role because in arranged marriages you are clueless about the other party. At times, an inquiry ends up in shocking results. Once, a girl wanted to marry a guy she met through online chat. We found out he was already married with three kids,” says Sachit Kumar of Globe Detective Agency.
Aditya Rana, owner of Impact Intelligence Services says that the concept of organised pre-marital investigation is catching up. “We charge between Rs 5,000 and 30,000 depending upon the extent of queries — family details, job profile, sexual preferences and if the guy is having an affair. On an average, it takes about a week to get back with the details.”
Geeta Sharma (26) says hiring a detective saved her from “marrying a liar”. “I called off my wedding after the detective found out the guy was earning Rs 45,000 when he claimed to get Rs 80,000.” Increased competition has also led the agencies to diversify. “We have networks in major NRI hubs, since 30 per cent of our clients are NRIs,” says Sanjay Singh of Indian Detective Agency. “Since it’s a matter of one’s life, only experienced detectives are given these cases.”
{{/usCountry}}Geeta Sharma (26) says hiring a detective saved her from “marrying a liar”. “I called off my wedding after the detective found out the guy was earning Rs 45,000 when he claimed to get Rs 80,000.” Increased competition has also led the agencies to diversify. “We have networks in major NRI hubs, since 30 per cent of our clients are NRIs,” says Sanjay Singh of Indian Detective Agency. “Since it’s a matter of one’s life, only experienced detectives are given these cases.”
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