In a world increasingly dominated by digital relationships, the gripping true story of Kirat Assi’s decade-long catfishing ordeal, as depicted in the Netflix documentary Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare (2024), serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind online connections.
This harrowing tale explores the emotional manipulation that can occur when trust is exploited, revealing the shocking truth behind who “Bobby” really was and why Kirat was deceived by someone so close to her.
What did Simran Bhogal Do?
Simran Bhogal pretended to be Kirat Assi’s online boyfriend Bobby for almost a decade.
Kirat Assi, a former radio presenter, experienced a life-altering betrayal when she received a Facebook friend request from Bobby Jandu, who claimed to be a cardiologist based in New York. They quickly bonded over shared interests within their Sikh community in London.
Despite never meeting in person, their online relationship flourished through constant communication. Bobby, however, frequently made excuses to avoid face-to-face encounters, spinning elaborate tales ranging from being in a witness protection program to suffering from severe health issues.
As the years passed, Bobby’s manipulations intensified, controlling Kirat’s social interactions and isolating her from friends and family.
Kirat, now in her mid-30s, became emotionally entangled in a relationship that existed solely in the digital realm. Little did she know, the person behind the mask was her own cousin, Simran Bhogal.
Why Simran Bhogal Catfished Her Cousin, Kirat Assi?
Simran began her catfishing scheme at just 17 years old. Her motivations remain largely speculative, but experts suggest that she may have been trying to escape her own realities or seek validation through the manipulation of another’s life.
Simran not only created an online persona as Bobby but also fabricated an extensive network of fake friends and family to lend credibility to Bobby’s fictitious existence.
This elaborate web of deceit grew over the years, all while Simran maintained a close relationship with Kirat, further complicating their family dynamics.
While Simran has not offered a public explanation, she did send Kirat a private apology letter, which remains undisclosed due to legal reasons. Kirat, however, expressed that the apology seemed insincere. According to Kirat, Simran believed they were both in a “dark place” and that the fantasy world she created through the catfishing scheme would bring them joy.
Experts interviewed in the podcast Sweet Bobby struggled to understand Simran’s actions, leaving the true reason behind her manipulation still unclear.
How Simran Bhogal’s Catfishing Scheme Was Finally Exposed?
Kirat’s suspicions peaked when her attempts to meet Bobby led her to a shocking confrontation with the real Bobby Jandu—who had no idea who she was.
This encounter was the catalyst that led Kirat to confront Simran, who eventually admitted to orchestrating the entire catfishing scheme. Simran’s confession unveiled the shocking truth: she had meticulously crafted an entire online persona and manipulated Kirat’s emotions for nearly a decade.
Did Simran Bhogal Face Any Consequences For The Catfishing Case?
Despite the emotional turmoil Kirat endured, her efforts to seek justice were met with challenges. In the UK, catfishing is not classified as a crime, leaving Kirat with limited options. After police dismissed her initial claims, she took matters into her own hands by filing a civil lawsuit against Simran in 2020, which resulted in a financial settlement in 2021.
However, the emotional scars from the betrayal lingered, as Kirat faced the aftermath of her cousin’s betrayal in a close-knit community that struggled to find the right words in the wake of the revelation.
Kirat has since resumed her career, hosting a radio show where she engages with listeners on various topics, but she continues to push for public accountability. “I just want her to take responsibility for her actions,” Kirat has stated, reflecting her desire for closure and justice.
Where Simran Bhogal & Kirat Assi Are Today?
Today, Simran Bhogal has largely retreated from the public eye, reportedly working as a vice president at a major British bank, although the specifics remain unconfirmed. She has maintained her privacy and described the situation as a “private family dispute.”
Meanwhile, Kirat Assi continues to rebuild her life after the emotional fallout. She has returned to her radio career and strives to engage meaningfully with her audience. While the scars from the catfishing ordeal remain, Kirat’s resilience shines through as she advocates for accountability and awareness regarding the dangers of digital deception.
Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare not only sheds light on Kirat Assi’s harrowing experience but also serves as a cautionary tale for those navigating online relationships. As we increasingly connect through digital platforms, the need for awareness and vigilance against potential deception becomes ever more crucial.
Kirat’s journey reminds us to question what we see online and to value the authenticity of our connections, as the real dangers may be lurking just beyond the screen.
About Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare
Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare is a documentary that delves into the shocking catfishing story of Kirat Assi, a former radio presenter12. Assi was manipulated and deceived by someone posing as a man named Bobby Jandu in an elaborate online scheme that lasted nearly a decade34. The film sheds light on the complexities and traumas of catfishing, revealing how Assi’s virtual relationship upended her life for years5.
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