Gurugram Teen Blackmailed for Rs 80 Lakh Due to Online Fraud

A 15-year-old from Gurugram was blackmailed into transferring Rs 80 lakh from her grandmother’s account after her morphed images were threatened to be released. Six arrests have been made, and the police recovered substantial funds. The incident began when the girl discussed her family’s financial information with peers, leading to her exploitation.

In Gurugram, a 15-year-old schoolgirl was the victim of an online blackmail scheme that led to the unauthorized transfer of Rs 80 lakh from her grandmother’s bank account. The teenager, who had access to the account after her grandmother received a significant sum from a land sale, was coerced into sending money to the blackmailers, who threatened to share morphed images of her online. The police arrested six individuals involved in the crime, recovering Rs 5 lakh and the grandmother’s debit card during the latest operation.

The situation escalated after the girl casually mentioned her grandmother’s account and its large balance to a friend, which eventually reached a Class X boy. This boy informed his elder brother, which culminated in a plan to exploit the teen. The blackmail was orchestrated by 20-year-old Sumit Kataria, who initiated an online friendship with the victim and manipulated her photos to create a false narrative for coercion.

After multiple transactions drained the account, one of the blackmailers confronted the teen at her coaching class, prompting her behavior change. Concerned, the teacher inquired about her distress, leading the girl to disclose the situation. Subsequently, her family was informed, and they filed a formal complaint with the police, sparking the investigation that resulted in multiple arrests of those implicated in the scheme.

This incident highlights the dangers of sharing personal information casually, especially regarding financial matters. It underlines the importance of vigilance and awareness in internet interactions, particularly for minors. The involvement of authority figures can be crucial in preventing such crimes from escalating further and ensuring that victims receive help promptly.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com