Three teenage boys have been arrested in Krishnagiri for allegedly blackmailing a 14-year-old schoolgirl using morphed photographs and demanding Rs 10 lakh from her family.
According to police, the accused — all school dropouts aged between 14 and 16 — allegedly threatened the girl after creating fake social media accounts using her photographs downloaded from Instagram.
Morphed images used to threaten girl
The incident reportedly began when one of the boys, a former classmate of the girl, shared her Instagram ID, Facebook account details, and mobile number with his two friends. The trio allegedly created a fake Instagram account and began contacting the girl online.
Police said the boys sent morphed images of the girl and allegedly threatened to circulate obscene content involving her and her sister on social media platforms.
Fearing humiliation, the girl allegedly shared private photos and videos with them after repeated threats.
Family threatened with social media leak
Investigators said the accused later sent the content to the girl’s father through WhatsApp and allegedly demanded Rs 10 lakh, warning that the material would be uploaded online if the money was not paid.
The girl’s father approached the police on Wednesday evening and filed a formal complaint.
Juveniles sent to observation home
The Krishnagiri All Women Police Station registered a case and arrested the three juveniles shortly afterwards. Police confirmed that the accused were produced before authorities and sent to an observation home.
Officials have urged parents to remain alert about children’s online activities and educate them about cyber safety and digital blackmail risks.