In Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, a 17-year-old Class 12 student allegedly launched a campaign of online harassment targeting at least 15 girls from her village. Police say the minor created multiple fake Instagram accounts using email IDs of her father’s friend, posting obscene photos and lewd captions aimed at intimidating her peers. What began as a personal grievance has quickly grown into a troubling case of digital defamation.
ACP Rajneesh Kumar stated that the first complaint arrived on July 3, when a father reported that someone had misused his daughter’s photos online, posting vulgar content and making threatening remarks, including suggestions of potential kidnapping.
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From Personal Humiliation to Online Targeting
Authorities found that the minor acted after feeling humiliated by a neighbor. Using a smartphone gifted to her father by her maternal uncle, she meticulously crafted fake identities to retaliate. The harassment was not limited to a single victim; images of multiple girls from the community were posted with offensive captions to shame and intimidate them.
Forensic examination revealed six active fake Instagram accounts on the device, underscoring the deliberate and premeditated nature of the acts. “This was a calculated attempt to teach a lesson to those she felt wronged her,” officer added.
Legal Action and Juvenile Considerations
Police have registered cases under Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66(C) of the IT Act. Given the offender’s minor status, proceedings will follow juvenile justice protocols. The girl is currently undergoing counselling, while authorities determine the next steps.
Experts warn that such cases highlight both the risks of unsupervised digital activity among teenagers and the urgent need for education on online conduct and cyber safety.
Community Response and Preventive Lessons
Victims and their families expressed relief at swift police intervention. Local residents emphasized parental supervision and the importance of teaching children digital responsibility. Authorities stress awareness programs and early intervention as essential tools to prevent similar incidents.