Move over, nosy aunties—modern matchmaking now has a tech-savvy twist! In India, where marriage has long been a family affair, private detectives are stepping in to ensure no skeletons lurk in the closet before couples say, “I do.”
From fake salaries to secret spouses, pre-wedding investigations are booming as families and couples embrace this unconventional approach to finding the truth. In fact, pre-wedding spy services are flourishing as people hire detectives to verify financial claims, family backgrounds, and hidden secrets.

Modern technology is reshaping how Indians approach marriage, ensuring there are no surprises before tying the knot.
Leading this charge is Bhavna Paliwal, a 48-year-old “matchmaker-turned-detective” in New Delhi. Running the Tejas Detective Agency for nearly two decades, she says business has never been better, with her team handling eight cases a month. “Love might be blind, but our clients certainly aren’t!” she quips.
In one recent case, Bhavna uncovered that a man claiming to earn $70,700 annually was actually making just $7,070. “He was only off by a zero,” she joked. But it’s not just financial fraud. Investigators like Sanjay Singh have tackled hundreds of cases this year, ranging from background checks to sniffing out hidden relationships. “This is public service,” he says.
Some cases delve deeper into quirks, like whether a partner snores or might be hiding their sexual orientation. “It sometimes feels like a Bollywood spy film,” laughs Akriti Khatri, another investigator who has developed an app for live updates, including locations and videos, ensuring clients stay in the loop.
While technology has made the job easier, it’s also added stress to relationships. Bhavna believes no relationship can thrive on lies. “We aren’t here to ruin love but to ensure it’s built on truth,” she says.
So, before saying “I do,” more couples are saying, “Let’s investigate!” In today’s India, a little snooping might just save the day—or the wedding!