Having been widowed recently, a resident of Nand Nagri in Northeast Delhi was only too happy to sign “legal affidavits” when told that they were applications for a Rs-50,000 government loan. Instead, it turned out that the 25-year-old woman (name withheld to protect identity) had been tricked into signing a wedding deed.

Based on the victim’s complaint, Nand Nagri police have arrested the accused, identified as Yusuf Khan.

According to police officials, some of her late husband’s relatives had introduced the victim to Khan — she was reportedly told that he had “influence” and could help get a government loan approved for her.

“I met him on a few occasions and he told me that he knew a minister and could get me a loan of Rs 50,000,” the victim has told the police. “I am unemployed and I also have a four-year-old son, so I agreed to his proposal — I thought I could start a business from home with the loan.”

According to her complaint, Khan then brought some affidavits and told her they were loan applications that he had filled up. She signed the papers as instructed, the complaint says. A few days later, though, the victim learnt from neighbours that Khan had spread the word that they had got married.

“When she confronted Khan about the rumour, he told her that it was true and produced the legal papers,” a senior officer said. “He told her she had signed her own marriage deed and asked her to move in with him.”

When she refused, Khan threatened her, the officer said.

The victim then lodged a case under Sections 465 (forgery) and 506 (criminal intimidation) at Nand Nagri police station.