A man who allegedly posed as a female doctor on social media has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich for allegedly obtaining private photographs of a woman and later blackmailing her, police said.
Fake doctor profile used to gain trust
The accused, identified as Himanshu Tayal alias Shami, allegedly created a fake Facebook profile in the name of a woman doctor and approached the victim with an offer to help her lose weight and become “slim-fit”, according to police.
Police said he allegedly persuaded the woman to share photographs in fewer clothes, claiming they were required for treatment. After gaining her confidence, he allegedly threatened to circulate the photographs on social media and harm her son.
The victim’s family told police that the accused allegedly extorted Rs 5.20 lakh from her at different times and was demanding another Rs 10 lakh.
Police recover phones and cash
Following a complaint lodged by the woman’s husband at Dargah Shareef police station on September 16, police arrested Tayal near Bahraich railway station on September 17.
Two mobile phones were allegedly recovered from him, with police saying the victim’s photographs were found on the devices. Officers also recovered Rs 1 lakh in cash from him and another Rs 1.50 lakh from his house, according to the police.
Police also seized a motorcycle, air conditioner and television allegedly purchased using the extorted money.
A case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections relating to extortion and criminal intimidation. Investigators are examining the fake social media account, electronic devices and other technical evidence as the probe continues.