In a serious case of cyber exploitation, KR Puram Police have arrested two men for allegedly blackmailing a married woman using her private photos and videos obtained through social media interaction.
The accused have been identified as Ritwik Reddy (38), also known by multiple aliases, and his associate Vannuru Swamy (34), both natives of Andhra Pradesh.
Social media contact led to exploitation
According to police, the victim, a 38-year-old software professional, came into contact with the prime accused on Snapchat around one-and-a-half years ago. The accused was reportedly her former classmate, and the two reconnected online before continuing communication through calls and messages.
During video interactions on WhatsApp, the accused allegedly recorded and captured screenshots of her private moments without her knowledge.
Threats and financial extortion
Police said the accused used the material to threaten the woman, claiming they would share the content with her husband, family members, and on social media platforms. They also allegedly issued threats to harm her husband.
Under sustained pressure and fear, the victim was coerced into paying over ₹50 lakh. She was also forced to pledge and hand over her gold ornaments to meet the demands.
Police action and recovery
Unable to endure the harassment, the woman approached the police two months ago and filed a complaint. Acting on credible information, the police tracked down and arrested the accused.
Officials recovered approximately 571 grams of gold ornaments from them. During the investigation, police also discovered several photos and videos of other women stored on the accused’s mobile phones, raising concerns of a wider network of victims.
Investigation continues
Authorities are now probing the extent of the crime and identifying potential additional victims. The case highlights the growing risks associated with online interactions and misuse of personal data.
Police have urged citizens to exercise caution while engaging with individuals on social media and to report any suspicious or threatening behaviour promptly.