Mohali Resident Receives Rs 2 Crore Extortion Demand via WhatsApp Calls from Foreign Numbers
In a disturbing incident highlighting the growing threat of cyber-enabled extortion, a resident of Sector 79 in Mohali has reported receiving death threats and a demand for Rs 2 crore through WhatsApp calls originating from foreign numbers. The Sohana police have promptly registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Details of the Threatening Incident
According to the complaint filed with the police, Prakash Thakur, a resident of house number 1545 in Sector 79, Mohali, alleged that on January 5, 2026, he received multiple threatening WhatsApp calls from international phone numbers. The callers reportedly used abusive language and explicitly demanded a sum of Rs 2 crore, warning that failure to comply would result in harm to Thakur and his family members.
The complainant specified that the threatening calls were received at approximately 5:42 PM and 5:59 PM on that day. He emphasized that the repeated nature of these threats has caused severe mental stress and fear within his family, disrupting their sense of security and daily life.
Police Response and Legal Action
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the Sohana police have registered a case against unidentified persons under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Assistant Sub-Inspector Prashant Sharma of the Sohana police station, during the preliminary inquiry, described the incident as a serious offence warranting immediate attention.
Police officials confirmed that the FIR has been formally registered, with copies forwarded to the area magistrate and senior police officers for further oversight. Additionally, the Mohali Control Room has been informed to coordinate efforts in tracking the perpetrators.
To support the investigation, the victim has provided call recordings and detailed call logs as evidence to the authorities. These materials are expected to play a crucial role in identifying the culprits and understanding the modus operandi used in this extortion attempt.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Concerns
The police have stated that a technical investigation is currently underway to trace the location of the callers and establish their identities. This involves analyzing digital footprints and collaborating with international agencies if necessary, given the foreign origin of the numbers involved.
This incident follows other recent cases in Mohali, such as threats received by international singer B Prak and Akali Dal Mohali in-charge Parvinder Singh Sohana, underscoring a troubling pattern of extortion activities in the city. It raises significant concerns about the increasing use of international numbers and digital platforms like WhatsApp for criminal purposes, highlighting vulnerabilities in cybercrime prevention.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communications immediately. The case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of crime in the digital age, where perpetrators can operate across borders with relative anonymity, posing challenges for law enforcement agencies.
