Instagram healer lured woman, forced her into nude call, then blackmailed for cash
Ahmedabad police say a woman was lured by a fake astrology profile, coerced into a nude video call and blackmailed for money. Investigators say the racket used multiple fake identities to target hundreds, while many victims may have stayed silent out of fear.
A cyber fraud case has surfaced in Ahmedabad where a young woman was allegedly lured through a fake astrology profile on social media, coerced into a nude video call, and later blackmailed for money. Police say the accused posed as a transgender spiritual healer to gain the victim’s trust before extorting cash.
According to investigators, the victim contacted an Instagram account named “Astrologer Pooja Kinnar Maa” seeking help for a personal relationship issue. During conversations, the accused offered to perform rituals to resolve her problem and asked for photographs as part of the process.
Police said the accused first morphed the victim’s images and threatened to circulate them. He then allegedly pressured her into a nude video call on the pretext of completing the ritual and recorded the interaction.
BLACKMAIL AND EXTORTION
The victim was subsequently blackmailed using the recorded video and forced to transfer money. She paid around Rs 1.43 lakh before approaching the cyber crime unit when further demands were made.
Investigators said the accused used multiple phone numbers and messaging platforms to sustain pressure and avoid detection.
Ahmedabad Cyber Crime officials have arrested Rajneesh Bhargava from Bikaner in Rajasthan. Two other accused, identified as Vikas Bhargava and Ravi Bhargava, are currently absconding.
According to police, the trio operated several fake Instagram and Facebook profiles, posing as astrologers, spiritual gurus, and transgender figures to target victims.
WIDE NETWORK, HUNDREDS TARGETED
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Lavina Sinha said the accused are aged between 20 and 25 and have been running the racket for over two years. They reportedly contacted nearly 300 people daily, with dozens falling into their trap.
Victims were initially asked to pay 3,000 to 15,000 for rituals. Once engaged, they were manipulated into sharing private content, which was then used for blackmail.
Preliminary findings suggest the group has duped hundreds of people and extorted between Rs 40 and 42 lakh. Police added that many victims may not have come forward due to fear of reputational damage.
Officials have urged people to avoid sharing personal photos or engaging in video calls with unknown individuals offering spiritual or relationship solutions online, and to report suspicious profiles immediately.
A cyber fraud case has surfaced in Ahmedabad where a young woman was allegedly lured through a fake astrology profile on social media, coerced into a nude video call, and later blackmailed for money. Police say the accused posed as a transgender spiritual healer to gain the victim’s trust before extorting cash.
According to investigators, the victim contacted an Instagram account named “Astrologer Pooja Kinnar Maa” seeking help for a personal relationship issue. During conversations, the accused offered to perform rituals to resolve her problem and asked for photographs as part of the process.
Police said the accused first morphed the victim’s images and threatened to circulate them. He then allegedly pressured her into a nude video call on the pretext of completing the ritual and recorded the interaction.
BLACKMAIL AND EXTORTION
The victim was subsequently blackmailed using the recorded video and forced to transfer money. She paid around Rs 1.43 lakh before approaching the cyber crime unit when further demands were made.
Investigators said the accused used multiple phone numbers and messaging platforms to sustain pressure and avoid detection.
Ahmedabad Cyber Crime officials have arrested Rajneesh Bhargava from Bikaner in Rajasthan. Two other accused, identified as Vikas Bhargava and Ravi Bhargava, are currently absconding.
According to police, the trio operated several fake Instagram and Facebook profiles, posing as astrologers, spiritual gurus, and transgender figures to target victims.
WIDE NETWORK, HUNDREDS TARGETED
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Lavina Sinha said the accused are aged between 20 and 25 and have been running the racket for over two years. They reportedly contacted nearly 300 people daily, with dozens falling into their trap.
Victims were initially asked to pay 3,000 to 15,000 for rituals. Once engaged, they were manipulated into sharing private content, which was then used for blackmail.
Preliminary findings suggest the group has duped hundreds of people and extorted between Rs 40 and 42 lakh. Police added that many victims may not have come forward due to fear of reputational damage.
Officials have urged people to avoid sharing personal photos or engaging in video calls with unknown individuals offering spiritual or relationship solutions online, and to report suspicious profiles immediately.
