• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Mumbai News: A 15-year-old girl from a residential society in Dombivli was allegedly blackmailed on Instagram after an obscene video of her was obtained by a man, police said. The accused, identified as Chirag Gawande, later sent the video to the girl’s father in South Africa and demanded money to keep the matter quiet.

According to officials, the teenager, a Class 11 student, was given a smartphone by her father to stay in contact while he worked abroad. The girl had installed Instagram on the device. Despite her mother’s advice to delete the app, she continued using it and came in touch with Gawande.

ALSO READ: Mumbai Metro Line 3: Colaba, BKC, Worli Get New Lifeline; Last Phase To Be Completed By Year End; Details

The Times Of India report cited Police as stating that, the accused gained the minor’s trust and later accessed her Instagram credentials. He then began threatening her, claiming he would post her photographs online if she refused to send a semi-nude video. Out of fear, the girl shared the video with him.

Investigators added that Gawande later forwarded the video to the girl’s father on Instagram. He also contacted him over the phone, saying he had private videos of the girl and demanded money in return for not circulating them further.

ALSO READ: Mumbai Traffic Advisory: Commuters Advised To Avoid THESE Routes As Maratha Protestors Choke City

The girl’s father informed his wife in Dombivli, who immediately went to Manpada Police Station to file a complaint. Based on the statement, a case was registered under the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Senior Inspector Sandipan Shinde from Manpada Police said the accused is believed to be staying in Navi Mumbai. A search operation is under way with the help of the cyber cell to trace him.