From a discreet office in a New Delhi mall, matrimonial detective Bhavna Paliwal leads a growing industry in India—investigating prospective spouses for families navigating the shift from traditional arranged marriages to modern love matches.
While arranged marriages remain a cultural cornerstone, more young couples are choosing their own partners, prompting cautious families to turn to private detectives like Paliwal to vet their children’s significant others. Armed with cutting-edge spy tools, these sleuths verify details ranging from financial claims to personal habits.
One client, Sheela (name changed), hired Paliwal after her daughter announced plans to marry her boyfriend. Concerned due to her own failed marriage, Sheela wanted reassurance. “When my daughter said she’s in love, I supported her—but not without proper checks,” she shared.
Paliwal, who founded Tejas Detective Agency over two decades ago, says business is booming, with her team handling about eight cases monthly. In one instance, a groom claimed an annual salary of $70,700, but Paliwal’s team uncovered it was actually $7,070.
Discretion is key in this line of work. Paliwal’s office is masked as an astrologer’s den, and her clients often prefer anonymity. Services range from $100 to $2,000, depending on the level of investigation.
The demand extends beyond concerned parents. Some clients seek to verify the truth about their partners or investigate suspicions of infidelity after marriage. Agencies also tackle issues like hidden relationships, financial discrepancies, or even questions about sexual orientation.
The rise of urbanization, online matchmaking platforms, and dating apps has disrupted traditional methods of vetting marriage proposals. Private investigators have stepped in to fill the gap, offering background checks that were once conducted by relatives or priests.
However, the job is not without hurdles. Gaining access to modern gated residences can be challenging, requiring detectives to weave convincing tales. Technology also plays a critical role, with advanced surveillance gadgets like wearable cameras and GPS trackers aiding their efforts.
Despite the ethical dilemmas associated with prying into personal lives, investigators like Paliwal and others argue their work safeguards relationships. “No relationship can thrive on lies,” Paliwal stated. “Our job simply uncovers the truth that would eventually surface.”
