A disturbing case unfolding in Gorakhpur has revealed how digital platforms are increasingly being weaponised for organised crime. What began as an investigation into a shooting incident involving a hospital manager in the Singhadhiya area has now exposed a sprawling blackmail and extortion network allegedly run by Anshika Singh, also known as Antima, operating for several years under the radar.
Investigators say the case lays bare a calculated pattern of digital manipulation, intimidation and fear, where social media and messaging applications were used not merely for communication, but as tools to trap victims and extract money through threats of fabricated criminal cases.
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According to findings so far, Anshika Singh followed a consistent and deliberate method. Initial contact was established through social media platforms and private messaging apps, where casual conversations gradually transitioned into personal exchanges. These interactions were then escalated to video calls, during which video recordings were secretly made. These recordings later became the primary instruments of blackmail.
The accused is alleged to have threatened victims with false rape allegations, demanding large sums of money in exchange for silence. Sources indicate that nearly 150 individuals may have been targeted through this method. The list of alleged victims reportedly includes ordinary citizens as well as police personnel and individuals with political or social influence, many of whom chose not to come forward due to fear of public disgrace and legal harassment.
Digital evidence recovered during the investigation suggests that once a victim was trapped, the pressure intensified. Recorded clips were shown to victims as proof, accompanied by warnings that refusal to pay would result in criminal complaints and public exposure. The psychological impact of such threats, particularly in a conservative social environment, proved decisive in forcing compliance.
Beyond the criminal dimension, the case also reflects a deeper social breakdown. Residents of the locality told investigators that after the death of Anshika’s father during the COVID-19 period, the family environment deteriorated significantly. Over time, her conduct became a subject of concern in the neighbourhood, leading to social isolation and strained relationships.
It is reported that the family’s only son severed ties several years ago and relocated to Pune following his marriage, effectively cutting off contact. Locals say this estrangement further deepened mistrust, with the family gradually distancing itself from the community.
The shooting incident involving the hospital manager proved to be the turning point. Once the investigation expanded, scrutiny of Anshika Singh’s mobile phones, social media accounts and financial transactions uncovered what officials describe as a layered pattern of extortion and systematic concealment.
Financial trails suggest that extorted money was routed through multiple bank accounts to avoid detection. Digital footprints also point to attempts at deleting chats, changing numbers and concealing identities to obstruct investigation. Forensic analysis of devices and accounts is ongoing, and authorities believe more names may surface as data examination continues.
Crucially, investigators do not view this as a lone-actor crime. There is growing suspicion that others may have assisted the operation—either by facilitating technical aspects, managing finances or helping identify potential targets. The scope of the network, officials believe, may be wider than initially estimated.
The Gorakhpur case highlights a dangerous evolution in cyber-enabled crime. Digital blackmail has moved beyond isolated incidents to become an organised operation, exploiting fear, reputation and legal vulnerability as weapons. Video calls, once seen as harmless, are increasingly emerging as tools for coercion and extortion.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are focusing on mapping the full extent of the network, identifying victims and quantifying the total amount extorted. The case stands as a stark warning about how misuse of technology can destabilise social trust and turn private interactions into instruments of crime.
Proceedings against Anshika Singh alias Antima are currently underway, with investigators continuing to piece together evidence. The unfolding revelations underscore a troubling reality: in the digital age, crime no longer relies on physical force alone—fear, manipulation and screens can be just as powerful.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
