Suspect Identity: The Shocking True Story of Netflix’s ‘Sweet Bobby’ Catfishing Scandal

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In this digital era, I’ve found myself deeply moved by Netflix’s chilling series, “Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare“. This riveting tale serves as a sobering reminder of the deceptive nature of trust in our modern, online-dominated world, particularly within the realm of dating.

Based on a true story that sent shockwaves through audiences not just in the UK but globally, “Sweet Bobby” recounts the heart-wrenching saga of Kirat Assi, a thriving London radio host who fell prey to one of the most intricate and unsettling catfishing scams ever recorded.

This intensely powerful documentary delves into the intricate web of emotional manipulation, deceit, and the aftermath that marked Kirat’s ordeal. It doesn’t stop at examining her personal suffering but also raises broader questions about online persona, consent, and justice in the digital world. As the story progresses, it becomes evident that this wasn’t simply a case of mistaken identity — it was a meticulously planned scheme of control and abuse, orchestrated by someone alarmingly near to Kirat.

What Happened To Kirat Assi, Explained

She Developed An Online Relationship With A Man Named Bobby Jandu

The tale unfolds around Kirat Assi, who fell victim to a catfishing scheme in 2009. This deception was orchestrated by someone pretending to be a man named Bobby Jandu. Simran Bhogal, Assi’s cousin, entered the picture following her breakup with her boyfriend, JJ. In an attempt to win Bhogal back, JJ sought advice from Assi. Unfortunately, JJ passed away due to an allergic reaction, and Bhogal provided Assi with Bobby Jandu’s contact information to express condolences on behalf of JJ’s family.

It didn’t take long before Assi agreed to connect with Bobby Jandu, a cardiologist residing in Kenya, since they shared many common friends within London’s Sikh community. What started as a friendship soon transformed into a romantic relationship, disregarding several warning signs.

Whenever Assi proposed a face-to-face meeting with Jandu, I’d concoct some reason to avoid it. Rumor had it that Jandu had endured numerous life-threatening illnesses and couldn’t venture to London. Despite this, the pair decided to take their relationship to the next level, getting engaged without ever having met in person.

Yet, their relationship took a dismal turn as it morphed into an abusive one. Jandu sought to dominate every aspect of Assi’s life and keep tabs on her constantly. He demanded video calls – never participating himself – and would become enraged if Assi wasn’t at home in her room.

The Fallout From The Catfishing Scheme

Assi Took Bhogal To Court

For three years, Assi had been in a long-distance relationship with someone named Jandu without ever meeting him in person. In an attempt to find out where her partner truly was, Assi employed a private investigator. The investigation eventually brought Assi to the residence of the actual Bobby Jandu, a dental surgeon based in Brighton, UK. Upon opening his door, the real Jandu did not recognize Assi and even questioned whether she might have mistaken him for his possibly deceased brother, JJ.

The first time I crossed paths with the genuine Jandu, an unexpected phone call came in, allegedly from him. This left me baffled and disgruntled, as it turned out to be someone impersonating him. I vented my frustration to my cousin, Simran Bhogal. The next day, Simran confessed to me that she had been pretending to be Jandu all along.

In the U.K., catfishing isn’t considered a crime, which made it challenging for Assi to file a criminal complaint against her cousin, Bhogal. No criminal charges have been brought against Bhogal as a result. Following an unsuccessful police investigation, Assi decided to take legal action against her relative. In 2020, Assi sued Bhogal for misusing her private information and data in court. The case was settled out of court in 2021, with Bhogal compensating Assi for significant damages, as well as covering her legal expenses. Additionally, Bhogal wrote a personal apology letter to Assi. As reported by Today, the British police have reopened Assi’s case.

Where Bobby Jandu Is Now

He Lives In Brighton With His Family & Works As A Dental Surgeon

It turns out that Bobby Jandu, whom Kirat Assi investigated, is indeed a genuine individual. He happens to be a dental surgeon residing in Brighton, UK, along with his wife Sanj and their two kids. Therefore, the private investigator’s findings were accurate; they simply didn’t anticipate the situation being a case of catfishing. Interestingly, even Sanj had fallen prey to a catfishing deception.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that Assi supposedly crossed paths with the genuine Bobby Jandu at a gathering during their early online connection, yet he failed to recognize her. Assi attributed his lapse in memory to alcohol and the chaotic nightclub environment as explained in the Liverpool Echo. Remarkably, the actual Bobby Jandu was featured in the Sweet Bobby documentary, whereas Assi chose not to participate. To this day, Bobby Jandu resides with his family in Brighton.

Regarding Bhogal, it appears she currently resides with her parents in the North West region of London, choosing to avoid public attention. Back in 2021, she stepped down from her influential role as Vice President at Barclays Bank.

What Kirat Assi Says About Her Expreience

Emotions Are Still Raw

10 years ago, Assi fell victim to a long-term catfishing incident perpetrated by her cousin. In an interview with Glamour UK, she shared:

Assi was tricked online for almost 10 years by her own cousin. When speaking with Glamour UK, she revealed this information.

As a film connoisseur, let me tell you, this cinematic experience has lingered with me like an unwanted guest. Frankly speaking, each moment since watching it feels like stepping through a haunted mansion – one that I can’t seem to escape. It’s as if the events of the movie have been replaying in my mind on an endless loop.

Bhogal chose not to be part of the documentary production. Her legal representatives provided the following statement to Tortoise Media, the creators of “My Sweet Bobby,” as reported by Forbes:

The issue at hand revolves around a family argument stemming from events that started more than ten years ago during my school days. For me, this is a personal family matter that has already been settled, and I find it unacceptable for baseless and highly damaging claims to be spread about me, as well as the disclosure of confidential information to the media.

Assi expressed that she’s not focused on seeking revenge, but rather on her cousin acknowledging accountability for their actions. Furthermore, she advised against pursuing or locating Bhogal or her relatives, as communicated through “Hello!“.

It’s wrong to pursue her or her family, no matter what the circumstances are. They may not be part of my immediate circle, but they’re still family. The person in question has made mistakes, but their parents should not bear the consequences. We’re all struggling as a family and a community, so it’s important to focus our efforts on those truly responsible. Engaging in online harassment only adds to the pain and doesn’t help. Instead, let’s channel our energy towards pressuring the right authorities to take appropriate action. But please remember that we mustn’t inflict harm or hurt on innocent people; it’s already a difficult time for everyone.

Kirat Assi has transitioned from being a radio host to operating her own marketing firm. Her passion lies in advocating for changes in the British legal system concerning catfishing, an issue she personally experienced and was deeply affected by, as depicted in the series “Sweet Bobby“.

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2025-04-30 00:14