India, April 20 -- Agents are gaining importance as young men especially from farming families or small-town businesses are finding it difficult to find bride - let alone suitable partner. A network of 'matchmakers' arrange marriages by bringing brides from economically backward regions, including Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Karnataka's border districts. While the practice has helped many men find partners, a significant number of marriages collapse within days, with brides running away often taking valuables and cash with them.

Vasant Patil, 34, from Lakhmapur village in Satana tehsil of Nashik district, married Leena Mandale of Nanded district through an agent. Only near and dear ones attended the registered marriage at Nashik on March 2...