Bengaluru: A Bengaluru woman has alleged that a man she met through Instagram threatened and extorted her using obscene photographs that he allegedly took without her consent.
According to a complaint filed by the woman’s father, the accused, identified as Anfal, allegedly subjected her to repeated threats, financial extortion and psychological abuse over a prolonged period.
Police have registered a case under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66(E) of the Information Technology Act. Further investigation is underway.
Woman met accused through Instagram in 2024
The complaint states that the woman was studying at Manipal University in 2024 when she became acquainted with Anfal through Instagram.
The man allegedly obtained her mobile number and met her several times. On one occasion, he reportedly took her to a hotel near Manipal, where he allegedly took obscene photographs of her without her consent.
The woman has alleged that Anfal later used the photographs to threaten her with publication on Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms.
According to the complaint, he allegedly demanded money from her and collected payments through PhonePe.
Gold chain allegedly taken during later threat
The complaint further alleges that Anfal again took the woman to a hotel in April 2026 and threatened her using the photographs.
When she reportedly told him that she did not have money, he allegedly forcibly took a gold chain weighing around 10 to 12 grams from her neck.
He also allegedly warned her against revealing the incident to anyone, according to the complaint.
The woman subsequently blocked his mobile number. However, she has alleged that he continued contacting her using other numbers and threatened to circulate the photographs unless she unblocked him.
Woman alleges psychological abuse through video calls
The complaint contains further allegations concerning repeated WhatsApp video calls.
The woman has alleged that Anfal forced her to remain on video calls for hours and instructed her to injure herself. He allegedly threatened to come to her location and kill her if she did not follow his instructions.
Under the alleged fear and psychological pressure, the woman reportedly injured herself with a blade and cut the name “Anfal” onto her chest.
The allegations are part of the complaint submitted to the police, and investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Parents learned of allegations in September
According to the complaint, the woman’s parents became aware of the alleged abuse on September 4 after they brought her to Bengaluru and questioned her about what had happened.
Her father subsequently approached the police on September 8 and sought legal action against Anfal.
Police have registered a case under provisions of the BNS and Section 66(E) of the Information Technology Act. The investigation will determine the circumstances of the alleged threats, extortion, unauthorised recording and other accusations.
The allegations against the accused are yet to be established through the investigation and due legal process.