Kirat Assi, a woman from West London known for her successful marketing career and role as a local radio presenter, became the unfortunate victim of one of the most elaborate and disturbing catfishing schemes ever documented. For over a decade, starting in 2009, Kirat was ensnared in a fabricated relationship with a man named Bobby Jandu, a persona meticulously crafted by her own cousin, Simran Bhogal. Her harrowing tale first emerged through a series of captivating episodes on the true-crime podcast “Sweet Bobby,” hosted by Alexi Mostrous in 2022. Now, Netflix is set to unveil a documentary series delving into the intricacies of this shocking incident, premiering on October 16, 2024.
Kirat, as described on her website kiratassi.co.uk, has dedicated herself to sharing her story and offering support to others who have endured similar experiences. The 43-year-old resident of West London, through her website, provides resources and insights into the complexities of catfishing and other forms of online manipulation.
Kirat’s account, as shared on “Sweet Bobby,” paints a chilling picture of how her cousin, a person she considered a younger sister, meticulously manipulated her over an extended period. The deception, according to Kirat, was intricately woven into both the online and offline worlds, involving over 50 fabricated identities, some of whom she even knew through her social circle. Bhogal’s actions, Kirat reveals, encompassed a range of manipulative tactics, including coercive control, catfishing, identity theft, and various forms of abuse and harassment. Kirat describes the manipulation as “sophisticated, complex, and of epic proportions,” claiming it was so intricate that she found herself silenced, even the police struggling to comprehend the depth of the scheme.
In the podcast, Kirat details the initial stages of her interaction with Bobby Jandu, a man she met through social media. Over time, their online interactions blossomed into a seemingly intimate relationship. Kirat reveals that she and Bobby would speak daily, their conversations sometimes veering towards the intimate. Bobby, who claimed to reside in Australia, would frequently concoct elaborate stories of hardship, including tales of being shot and diagnosed with a brain tumor. Kirat describes how Bobby became increasingly coercive and possessive, leading to severe stress and health complications. Despite the depth of their virtual bond, Kirat never met Bobby in person or engaged in video calls.
Determined to uncover the truth, Kirat hired a private detective to investigate Bobby Jandu’s identity. The investigation revealed the shocking reality: the man she believed to be Bobby was a complete fabrication, masterminded by her own cousin, Simran Bhogal. Bhogal, unbeknownst to Kirat, had been privy to the intimate details of their relationship, making her the architect of this insidious charade.
According to Kirat’s website, she filed a civil lawsuit against her cousin, which has since been resolved with a private apology. While the legal battle may be over, Kirat’s story serves as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of catfishing and the devastating impact it can have on victims. Her courage in sharing her story, both on the “Sweet Bobby” podcast and through her website, offers a beacon of hope for others who may be struggling with similar experiences.
