The accused allegedly created a fake Facebook profile in the name of a female doctor, lured a woman with promises of weight loss, obtained her photographs and later threatened to circulate them online while allegedly extorting Rs 5.20 lakh from her
A man allegedly posing as a female doctor on social media has been arrested for allegedly duping a woman with promises of helping her lose weight, obtaining her photographs and later threatening to circulate them online and harm her son, police said.
According to police, the accused used a fraudulent Facebook profile in the name of a woman doctor to contact the victim and gain her confidence. He allegedly told her that she appeared overweight but could become “slim-fit” and asked her to send photographs wearing fewer clothes.
When the woman reportedly hesitated, the accused allegedly reassured her by claiming that he was also a woman and a doctor. Following the assurance, the woman shared some photographs with him, police said.
Woman Allegedly Threatened With Circulation of Photographs
The accused subsequently allegedly threatened to upload the photographs on social media and kill the woman’s son. Police said he allegedly extorted Rs 5.20 lakh from the woman on different occasions.
The woman’s family has further alleged that the accused was demanding an additional Rs 10 lakh.
Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Srivastava said the accused was arrested near Bahraich railway station on September 17, a day after the woman’s husband lodged a complaint at Dargah Shareef police station.
Mobile Phones and Cash Recovered
Police said two mobile phones were recovered from the accused, which allegedly contained the victim’s photographs. Officers also recovered Rs 1 lakh in cash from him.
Based on information provided by the accused, another Rs 1.50 lakh was allegedly recovered from his residence, police said.
Investigators also seized an HF Deluxe Plus motorcycle, a Daikin 1.5-ton inverter air conditioner and a Samsung LED television, which police allege were purchased using the extorted money. Bills related to the purchases were also recovered.
Investigation Into Fake Social Media Profile Underway
A case has been registered under Sections 308, relating to extortion, and 351, relating to criminal intimidation, among other provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police are examining the alleged fake social media profile, mobile phones and other technical evidence as part of the investigation.
According to police, the accused had also faced cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and in connection with theft in 2012.
The accused has been produced before a court, and further investigation into the allegations is underway.
Important Highlights
- Man allegedly posed as a female doctor through a fake Facebook profile.
- He allegedly lured a woman with promises of helping her lose weight and become “slim-fit”.
- Police said the accused allegedly obtained her photographs and threatened to circulate them online.
- The accused allegedly extorted Rs 5.20 lakh and was allegedly demanding another Rs 10 lakh.
- Police recovered mobile phones, cash and other items allegedly purchased with the extorted money.
- Further investigation into the fake profile and digital evidence is underway.
