Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare on Netflix: The Story Behind the Kirat Assi Case
Documentary about Kirat Assi who was deceived by her own cousin for a decade
What is the series about?
Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare is a documentary film from 2024 directed by Lyttanya Shannon, depicting one of the most extensive and psychologically taxing cases of digital deception in British history. The film follows British radio host Kirat Assi , who was manipulated for nearly a decade into believing she was in a relationship with a man named Bobby Jandu. Through interviews with the victim and her family, the documentary sheds light on how the perpetrator created a network of over 40 fictional characters to control Kirat Assi's life and isolate her from reality.
The real case
The real case behind the documentary began in 2010 when Kirat Assi received a message on Facebook from a profile she believed belonged to an acquaintance. This was the starting point for a relationship with "Bobby," a successful cardiologist. The deception was carried out by Kirat Assi's own cousin, Simran Bhogal , who had previously been a vice president at Barclays Bank. Bhogal managed to maintain the illusion by orchestrating complex dramas, including fake illnesses, shooting incidents, and even witness protection programs, explaining why Bobby could never meet in person or talk on the phone.
The incredible aspect of the case is the extent of the social network Bhogal built. She managed profiles for Bobby's friends, colleagues, and family members, all of whom interacted with Kirat to validate Bobby's existence. When Kirat finally confronted the real Bobby Jandu at his residence in 2018, it became clear that he was an entirely innocent man who knew nothing of Kirat or the thousands of messages sent in his name. Although catfishing was not a standalone criminal act under British law at the time, the case has led to renewed debate about digital stalking and legislation in the area.
Timeline of the case
The case spans over a decade, from the initial digital interactions to the legal aftermath. In 2020, Kirat Assi managed to reach a civil settlement with Simran Bhogal, which included a private apology and financial compensation. In 2021, the case gained worldwide attention through