In a disturbing case of exploitation, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) police in Ludhiana have registered a case against two individuals for allegedly blackmailing a teenage schoolboy and extorting a sum exceeding Rs 90,000 from him. The accused reportedly used the lure of a banned item to trap the minor before turning to threats and intimidation.
The Deceptive Friendship and the Banned String Offer
According to the police complaint, the incident began when the two accused men befriended the young student. Taking advantage of this friendship, they offered to procure for him the banned plastic string (manjha) used for kite flying. The schoolboy agreed to purchase the prohibited material from them.
The plot took a sinister turn on December 2. The teenager received a call from the accused, who claimed that an aide sent to get the string had been arrested by the police. They then allegedly threatened the boy, stating they would reveal his name to the authorities unless he paid them money to stay silent.
A Traumatic Extortion and the Teen's Descent into Depression
Succumbing to fear and blackmail, the boy began making payments to the accused. In multiple instalments, he handed over a total of Rs 93,000 to the duo. However, their greed was not satiated. Even after receiving this substantial amount, they further demanded an additional Rs 30,000 from the terrified teenager.
The relentless pressure and fear took a severe toll on the minor's mental health, pushing him into a state of depression. His parents noticed a significant change in his behaviour and persistent sadness. After repeated inquiries from his concerned family, the boy finally broke down and narrated the entire harrowing ordeal to them.
Legal Action and Charges Filed
Upon learning the truth, the boy's father immediately approached the PAU police and filed a formal complaint. Based on his statement, the police have registered a case against the two accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The charges invoked include:
- Section 308(2) for extortion.
- Section 351(1) for criminal intimidation.
- Section 61(2) for criminal conspiracy.
The case highlights the vulnerability of young individuals to manipulation and cyber-crime-adjacent blackmail tactics. It also underscores the importance of open communication within families, as parental intervention was crucial in bringing the crime to light and stopping the financial and emotional abuse.
