Hyderabad: In a disturbing cybercrime case, city police have arrested a 23-year-old man accused of targeting and blackmailing over 20 young women through social media by posing as a wealthy individual and trapping them in fake relationships.
The accused, identified as Koduri Chandrasekhar Azad, also known as Arjun, hails from Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh and was residing in Miyapur at the time of his arrest. Police said he had been operating the alleged scheme for nearly two years across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
How the ‘love trap’ was executed
According to investigators, the accused followed a calculated pattern to identify and target victims. He reportedly gathered information about affluent families in Hyderabad by interacting with watchmen and domestic workers.
After shortlisting potential targets, he approached young women on platforms such as Instagram, presenting himself as a wealthy individual. Using images of luxury cars, parties and an affluent lifestyle, he built trust and initiated online relationships.
Once he gained the victims’ confidence, he allegedly recorded private photos and videos without their consent. Police said he would later reveal his real identity and use the material to blackmail the victims, demanding money.
Victims coerced into paying large sums
Officials said several victims, fearing social stigma, handed over cash, jewellery and other valuables to the accused. In some cases, victims reportedly took money from their homes to meet his demands.
In a particularly serious case, police said the accused targeted a minor from the Jubilee Hills area despite having previously been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. He allegedly coerced the minor into stealing Rs 29 lakh from her residence with the help of an accomplice.
Multiple cases registered
Apart from the Jubilee Hills case, the accused is also facing charges related to cheating and theft in the Narsingi area, where he allegedly stole gold from another victim.
Police teams from Jubilee Hills and Narsingi stations launched an investigation following multiple complaints and eventually tracked down and arrested the accused. Officials said further investigation is underway to identify possible accomplices and uncover the full extent of the operation.
Police issue public advisory
Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution while interacting with unknown individuals on social media. They warned against accepting friend requests from strangers or sharing personal photos, videos or sensitive information online.
Parents have also been advised to monitor their children’s digital activity more closely, particularly given the involvement of a minor in the case.
Conclusion
The case highlights the growing risks associated with online interactions and the misuse of social media platforms for exploitation and blackmail. As cybercrimes become more sophisticated, police stress the need for awareness and vigilance to prevent such incidents.