New Delhi: The Delhi Police Cyber Cell has cracked a sextortion-based cyber fraud case and arrested three accused for allegedly cheating a man of around ₹5.80 lakh by blackmailing him with an obscene video. The arrested accused have been identified as 18-year-old Rajesh, 22-year-old Kunal and 23-year-old Imran, all residents of Faridabad, Haryana.
According to police, the action was taken in connection with e-FIR number 00126/2026 registered at the Cyber Police Station of Delhi’s North-East district. A case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 308, 318(4), 319 and 340.
The investigation revealed that the complainant, K.L. Tripathi, a resident of Ganga Vihar in Delhi, received a WhatsApp video call on May 6 from an unknown woman. The woman allegedly introduced herself as one of his social media contacts and persuaded him to remove his clothes during the conversation. The accused allegedly recorded an objectionable video of him during the call.
Soon after, the victim started receiving repeated calls from different unknown numbers. The callers allegedly posed as police officers, social media representatives and government officials. They threatened to make the video public, initiate legal action and get him arrested unless he paid money.
Under fear and pressure, the complainant transferred around ₹5.80 lakh in multiple instalments through different bank accounts, UPI IDs and QR codes. After realising that he had been cheated, he approached the Cyber Police Station and filed a complaint.
Police Traced Accused Through Financial Trail
A special cyber investigation team was formed to probe the case. Police analysed technical evidence and monitored financial transactions linked to the fraud.
During the investigation, a portion of the cheated amount was traced to bank accounts belonging to accused Rajesh and Kunal.
Police arrested Rajesh on June 17. After detailed analysis of bank transactions and further questioning, Kunal was identified and subsequently arrested.
During the investigation, the role of the third accused, Imran, also came to light. Police alleged that Imran was involved in withdrawing the cheated money from ATMs. He was arrested and a mobile phone along with a SIM card allegedly used in the crime was recovered from his possession.
Links with Mewat-Based Sextortion Network Under Probe
During sustained interrogation, the accused allegedly disclosed their connection with an organised sextortion network operating from the Mewat region of Rajasthan. Police are now investigating the role of other members linked to the network.
Investigators said that no previous criminal involvement of the three arrested accused has been found so far. However, police are examining their bank accounts, digital transactions and possible involvement in other cybercrime cases.
The Cyber Police has advised citizens to remain cautious while accepting video calls from unknown persons. People facing blackmail or threats involving private videos or personal information have been advised to immediately contact law enforcement agencies and report such incidents.
Further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused targeted more victims using the same modus operandi.
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.
