In India, a growing number of people are turning to matrimonial detectives to investigate the background of their prospective spouses, particularly in love marriages. Bhavna Paliwal, the founder of Tejas Detective Agency, has been running this business for over 20 years and finds that her services are in higher demand than ever. While arranged marriages, where families play a central role, remain highly popular, many young people are opting for love marriages, prompting some families to hire detectives to ensure their future son- or daughter-in-law is trustworthy. The work involves using advanced surveillance tools to check everything from financial status to personal relationships, providing families with peace of mind before their children commit to a life partner.

Detectives like Paliwal have uncovered shocking details in some of their cases, such as one instance where a man claimed to earn $70,700 annually, only for detectives to discover he was making just $7,070. The cost of hiring a detective for these services ranges from $100 to $2,000, depending on the depth of the investigation, which is a small price for families who spend far more on wedding celebrations. Although pre-marriage investigations are most commonly requested by concerned parents, some individuals also opt for background checks on their partners to ensure their relationship is built on trust.

With rapid urbanization and the rise of online matchmaking services and dating apps, traditional methods of checking matrimonial suitability, such as consulting family members or priests, are increasingly ineffective. This has given rise to new trends, including online marriage proposals through platforms like Tinder. Despite the growing reliance on technology, investigators note that challenges remain, especially as modern apartment complexes make it harder to gather information. Nevertheless, detectives use cutting-edge tools, including hidden cameras, GPS trackers, and apps to ensure efficient and discreet investigations. While Paliwal acknowledges the pressure technology puts on relationships, she believes that uncovering lies before a marriage helps ensure its long-term success.