Police Search for Missing Indian Woman Who Vanished After Arriving in New Jersey for Arranged Marriage

Simran Simran, 24, vanished after she arrived in the US on June 20, reportedly for an arranged marriage

Authorities in New Jersey are searching for a 24-year-old Indian woman who mysteriously disappeared just days after flying to the United States, reportedly for an arranged marriage.

Simran Simran arrived in the U.S. on June 20, landing in Lindenwold, a town just outside Philadelphia, for what police have described as a "reported prearranged marriage." Shortly after her arrival, Simran vanished without a trace, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Lindenwold Police Department.

Surveillance footage shows Simran wearing gray sweatpants, a white T-shirt, black flip-flops, and a small diamond-studded earring. In the video, she appears calm and is seen using her phone, seemingly waiting for someone. Investigators noted that she did not appear to be in distress at the time.

Police said there were no known family members they could contact, and they are enlisting the public's help to find the missing young woman

Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the individual she was meant to marry, and it remains unclear who reported her missing. Investigators suspect that Simran may have used the arranged marriage as a means to travel to the U.S. on a free flight. Police are now attempting to determine her intentions and whereabouts.

Simran is described as approximately 5’4” tall, weighing around 150 pounds, and having a small scar on the left side of her forehead. Police also confirmed that she does not speak English and only has access to an international phone, which requires Wi-Fi to send messages or make calls.

Adding to the challenge, police stated there are no known family members in India they can contact for assistance. The Lindenwold Police Department is urging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate Simran. Those with tips are asked to contact Detective Joe Tomasetti or submit an anonymous tip directly to the department.

Arranged marriages, while sometimes viewed as unconventional in Western culture, are legally recognized in the United States and remain common in countries such as India, Bangladesh, and China. Under U.S. immigration law, couples pursuing marriage-based residency must file an I-130 petition, including proof of a legitimate relationship—often in the form of photos, communications, and video call screenshots.

However, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) differentiates between consensual arranged marriages and illegal forced marriages. A forced marriage, in which one or both parties have not willingly consented, is prohibited under U.S. law.

As the investigation continues, police are treating Simran's disappearance with urgency and are asking anyone who may have seen her or interacted with her to come forward.