Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Police Warn Against Viral Rent-A-Garba Partner Advertisements
Some social media posts offered people a person to attend garba celebrations with them.
The advertisements appeared in Gujarat before Navratri.
They listed Silver, Gold and Platinum packages costing between ₹1,000 and ₹2,000.
The packages promised things such as dancing, matching clothes, photographs and reels.
One detailed advertisement also mentioned more personal services.
Police are checking whether the posts are real offers or scams.
They warned that payment links or photo attachments could contain harmful links.
People should check who is behind an account before paying or sharing information.
Anyone who has already lost money should contact the police or cybercrime officials.
Gujarat and Ahmedabad cyber police warned users about viral “Rent A Garba Partner” posts appearing on social media ahead of Navratri 2026.
The advertised packages reportedly ranged from ₹1,000 for two hours to ₹2,000 for an entire night.
Promised services included matching outfits, dance lessons, photos, reels and other companionship-related offerings.
Police said they were investigating whether the posts involved fraud or malicious intent, with some content appearing AI-generated.
Officials advised people not to send money or personal information to unverified accounts and to contact cyber police after suspicious payments.
- Who
- Gujarat Police and the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Cell, including DCP Lavina Sinha and ACP Hardik Mandakia.
- What
- Officials warned about viral “Rent A Garba Partner” advertisements and possible online fraud linked to them.
- When
- The warning was issued on September 20, 2026, ahead of Navratri; police said they had tracked the posts for five to six days.
- Where
- The posts were seen on social media, particularly Instagram, by users in Ahmedabad and elsewhere in Gujarat.
- Why
- Police said users could lose money or compromise personal information by dealing with unknown accounts, payment links or attachments.
Advertised Services
Police Warnings
Nature of the offers
Advertised Services
The social media posts presented the arrangements as paid companionship packages for garba, with different prices and promised services.
Police Warnings
Police said they were investigating whether the posts involved fraud or malicious intent and urged users not to trust them automatically.
Payments and personal information
Advertised Services
The advertisements directed interested users toward paid packages offered through social media accounts.
Police Warnings
Officials warned users not to send money or personal information to unknown or unverified profiles, links or attachments.
- Silver package
- ₹1,000 for two hours
- Gold package
- ₹1,500 for four hours
- Platinum package
- ₹2,000 for an entire night or all-day garba
- Advertised services
- Matching outfits, dance lessons, selfies, photographs and reels
- Investigation
- Police were checking for fraud or malicious intent
- Potential risks
- Fraudulent payment links or attachments that could compromise messaging apps or bank accounts
- Recommended action
- Verify identities, avoid unverified payments and contact cyber police after suspicious transfers
