Surat Teacher Targeted in Extortion Scheme via Social Networking App
A 26-year-old teacher employed by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) school has become the victim of a distressing extortion case, allegedly losing Rs 30,000 after being lured through a social networking application popular within the LGBTQ community. The incident, which unfolded in the Variyav area, highlights the risks associated with online interactions and has led to a swift police response resulting in the arrest of two individuals.
Details of the Alleged Extortion Incident
According to police reports, the victim, seeking to connect with male friends, had created a profile under the pseudonym 'Anderson' on the Grindr app. On March 18, after his school hours concluded, he was contacted by a user who agreed to meet for a casual interaction. The teacher was directed to a location near a farm in Variyav, where he arrived on his motorcycle.
Upon reaching the spot, the accused, identified as Naresh Maru, joined him as a pillion rider and guided him to a farm a few kilometres away. There, a second accused, Raju Mer, was waiting. The two men allegedly assaulted the victim, recorded a video of him, and threatened to circulate it publicly unless he complied with their demands.
The extortionists forced the teacher to hand over his debit card and PIN, subsequently withdrawing Rs 30,000 from his bank account. This brazen act left the victim traumatized and financially compromised, prompting him to seek legal recourse.
Police Intervention and Successful Sting Operation
Following the extortion, the victim approached the Jahangirpura police station, where officers advised him to assist in a trap to apprehend the culprits. In a strategic move, the police created a decoy profile on the same social networking app to lure the accused.
When the accused contacted the decoy and arranged a meeting at the same location in Variyav, a police team swiftly arrived at the scene. With the victim's assistance in identifying the suspects, authorities first arrested Naresh Maru. Based on interrogation details provided by Maru, Raju Mer, who was waiting at the farm, was also taken into custody.
Both individuals have been formally booked for extortion based on the teacher's official complaint, as confirmed by police officials. This case underscores the importance of vigilance in online spaces and the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between victims and law enforcement in combating cyber-enabled crimes.
