Fazilka Police Uncover Sextortion Racket, Arrest Two Women in Extortion Scheme
In a significant crackdown, police in Punjab's Fazilka district have uncovered a disturbing sextortion racket, leading to the arrest of two women involved in an elaborate extortion scheme. The operation was exposed following a complaint from a resident of Lallowali, who fell victim to the gang's tactics.
Modus Operandi of the Sextortion Gang
According to police officials, the gang employed a cunning method to target unsuspecting commuters. Women would stop vehicles and request lifts from drivers, creating a seemingly innocent situation. Once inside the car, an accomplice would quickly take photographs of the driver and the woman together. Using these images as leverage, the gang would then threaten to implicate the driver in false rape and molestation cases unless they paid a substantial sum of money.
This modus operandi preyed on the fear and social stigma associated with such allegations, making it an effective tool for extortion. Police described the scheme as systematic and premeditated, designed to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
On the basis of the victim's complaint, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against seven individuals linked to the racket. Two suspects have been apprehended so far, identified as Parveen Kaur and Kashmira Kaur. The investigation revealed that in this particular case, the victim was traveling to Fazilka for work when a woman entered his car near Jatwali village.
Immediately after, a man captured a photograph of them together, which was used to threaten the driver with a false rape case. A demand of Rs 2 lakh was made, and the gang successfully extorted Rs 50,000 from the victim before he reported the incident to the authorities.
Pargat Singh, the in-charge of Fazilka Sadar police station, confirmed these details and emphasized that the police are actively pursuing the case. The main accused and four other individuals involved in the racket remain at large, with ongoing efforts to track them down and bring them to justice.
Broader Implications and Police Response
This incident highlights a growing concern over sextortion crimes in the region, where perpetrators use threats of false accusations to extort money. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately. They also advised commuters to exercise caution when offering lifts to strangers, especially in isolated areas.
The arrest of Parveen Kaur and Kashmira Kaur marks a crucial step in dismantling this racket, but authorities stress that more work is needed to fully eradicate such operations. Community awareness and cooperation are key to preventing similar crimes in the future, as police continue their crackdown on extortion networks in Punjab.
