Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 8: A Bengaluru woman fell victim to a brazen online blackmail scheme when two men threatened to circulate her private photos on social media and coerced her into handing over Rs 40 lac in cash and 2 kilograms of gold jewellery.
Police have arrested the accused and seized the cash and jewellery, while also discovering private photos of several other women on their devices.
The incident came to light after the victim, alarmed by persistent threats, approached the K R Puram police station. “They threatened to send my private photos to my husband and post them on social media if I did not meet their demands,” the victim stated.
Police identified the accused as Chennuru Mahesh and Vannuru Swami, both from Andhra Pradesh. Investigators recovered 571 grams of gold jewellery and Rs 25 lac in cash from the duo during their operation.
According to the complaint, the victim first connected with the accused on Snapchat approximately a year and a half ago. “After exchanging numbers, they made WhatsApp video calls during which they secretly took screenshots and recorded videos of me,” the woman told authorities. “They then weaponised these recordings to start the extortion.”
Police said the accused repeatedly pressured her, warning that they would leak the photos publicly. Eventually, she was forced to hand over Rs 40 lac and 2 kilograms of gold. “The harassment became unbearable, and the victim approached her husband before filing a formal complaint with the K R Puram police,” said a senior officer.
Further investigation revealed that Vannuru Swami, upon learning from Mahesh that private photos and videos of the woman existed, joined in the blackmail. Police also discovered that the men had lost a portion of the extorted money through betting, adding another dimension to the case.
The probe took a shocking turn when police examined the accused’s mobile phones. “It was not just this victim; the devices contained private photos of numerous other young women, indicating a larger network of exploitation,” a senior officer revealed.
Authorities are now working to identify and reach out to all potential victims.
The K R Puram police have emphasised strict action against the perpetrators and urged social media users to exercise caution when sharing personal content online. “Digital harassment is a serious crime. We will pursue all leads and ensure justice is served,” an officer said.
This case highlights the growing risks of online platforms and the urgent need for awareness regarding privacy, consent, and the perils of sharing personal content digitally.