Khargone Police Crack Down on Honeytrap and Blackmail Racket, Arrest Five
In a significant breakthrough, the Sanawad police in Khargone district have apprehended five individuals, including three women, for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated honeytrap and blackmail scheme. The arrests were made on Sunday following a detailed investigation into a complaint filed earlier this month.
Modus Operandi of the Accused
According to SDOP Barwaha Archana Rawat, the accused operated by luring unsuspecting individuals to a house under the Sanawad police station limits. Once there, they secretly recorded objectionable videos of the victims. Subsequently, the perpetrators used these recordings to extort money, threatening to make the clips viral on social media and implicate the victims in false criminal cases, such as rape.
The case came to light after a resident of village Satajna filed a formal complaint on February 6. The complainant reported that on February 2, a woman identifying herself as Sapna repeatedly called him and invited him to her residence in Padmavati Colony, Sanawad. During the visit, two men and another woman suddenly entered the room, confronting the victim with claims that an objectionable video had been recorded.
Extortion Demands and Police Action
The accused allegedly demanded Rs 2.5 lakh from the complainant, threatening to circulate the video and file a false rape case against him. Out of fear, the victim paid Rs 10,000, but the threats persisted, prompting him to seek police intervention.
Based on the complaint, the Sanawad police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including extortion, criminal intimidation, and common intention. A police team, led by police station in-charge Dharmendra Yadav, conducted a raid that resulted in the arrest of the main accused, Vaijanti Duboliya.
During interrogation, Vaijanti confessed to committing the crime in collaboration with two other women and two men, identified as Sameer Ali and Sawan More. All five accused were subsequently arrested.
Evidence Seized and Wider Impact
Police seized Rs 10,000 in cash and the mobile phone containing the objectionable video as evidence. Sanawad police station in-charge Dharmendra Yadav revealed that since the incident became public, approximately 20 more individuals have come forward, claiming they were also cheated in similar incidents.
He further disclosed that the group had been active for nearly a year, conducting all transactions exclusively in cash to avoid leaving any digital or paper trail. This tactic highlights the calculated nature of their operations, aimed at evading detection.
The arrests underscore the growing concern over such honeytrap rackets, which exploit victims through psychological manipulation and threats. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to prevent further victimization.
